i 5 J 



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Glass i: 3S9 

Book .1^3675 






ceNSi deration; s a^d documents 



aELATIXG TO 



THE CLAIM OF MASSACHUSETTS 



FOR EXPENDITURES 



> ^- ^ 

5"¥ ^ 



DURING THE LATE WAR. 



TVashington, January, 1818. 




WASHINGTON. 

PRINTED BY E. DE KRAFFT, 
1818. 






/, 



STATEMENT 

OF THE 

CLAIM OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



The following statement of the claim of Massachusetts 
to reimbursement of the expenses of her militia, and in- 
cidental services in the late war, is intended for the pe- 
rusal of the members of the National Legislature, with a 
respectful confidence in their disposition, to derive from 
pure and authentic sources only, the evidence requisite 
for the formation of just conclusions, upon every mo- 
mentous subject of legislation. 

A report of two gentlemen, agents of the common 
wealth, which is the first document subjoined to thif 
statement, comprises a concise but faithful narration o 
facts, and an able, though compendous, view of the prin 
ciples bv which the claim is supported. These remarks 
are intended merely as a preface, and in no respect as 2 
substitute for that document. 

This claim, when divested of all considerations foreigi 
to its merits, will be found to be of great simplicity, anc 
may be brought to the test of a general or abstract ques 
tion, in no respect intricate or difficult of solution. 

Supposing that a sincere and honest difference of opi 
nion exists between a confederacy of states and one o 
the members, (^arising from their various constructions 
the articles of their compact,) respecting the mode i 
which an obligation, due from the latter, to contribute t 
the common defence, upon a requisition by the formei 
shall be performed, there being no umpire, and th 
danger being imminent, the duty is performfd; the n 
quisition is complied with, efftciuallij and faithfully ^ a( 
cording to its ov/n construction of the contract; an 



4 

iseasonably, as is proved by events; but not in precise 
conformity to the terms prescribed by the head of the 
confederacy, following his construction of the same in- 
strument. Are the confederates bound, by the principles 
of natural equity and justice, to assume the expense 
which has been thus incurred by the individual member? 
To a proposition, couched in these general terms, it is 
respectfully presumed that every enlightened statesman 
or civilian would giv^e an affirmative reply. 

As the true construction of the terms of every compact 
between states, must be liable to the doubts incident to 
the imperfection of language, it would be deemed a suf- 
ficient security in the case supposed, for a federal govern- 
ment holding the power of the purse, that it retains the 
means of guarding against abuses and evasions of duty, 
and of ascertaining whether deviations from a literal 
compliance with its requisitions, originate in real ambi- 
guity, or specious and deceitful glosses. It can also ac- 
company its recognition or allowance of any claim, with 
'such protestations and conditions as to preclude reliance 
upon it as a precedent. The confederacy, having thus 
the power of self protection, and of decidmg in its own 
cause, of discriminating between cases of controversy, 
which arise from a spirit of disaffection or contumacy, 
in which the duty is neglected, and such as have a just 
foundation in the apparent conflict of constitutional 
phraseology in which the duty is performed, may safely 
yield to the impulse of a magnanimous policy, and do 
justice, according to the circumstance of each case. 

There seems to be no alternative between an admis- 
sion of the correctness of this conclusion, and the rejec- 
tion or denial of the very existence or possibility of a 
'* casus foederis" on the assumed principle that the fede- 
ral government must always be right, in its construction 
3f the terms of the compact, and that every doubt or de- 






5 

nial of its infallibility by one of the states or members, 
though attended by no practical ill consequence, is not ori' 
It/ wrongs but punishable by Jo feiture; and that too with« 
out a hc^aring. 

This doctrine, it is believed, has never been adopted 
to such an extent in any government constituted in part or 
in whole upon federative principles. 

The history of such goverments will show that ques- 
tions have not unfrequently arisen in relation to the con- 
tingents of men, ships, money, and other duties or con- 
tributions, claimed bv the confederacv from the individu" 
al members, as well as to time, destinations, and other 
circumstances incident to the fulfilment of such obliga- 
tions. But even in those confederacies, where the vesti- 
ges of separate and independent rights are not absolutely- 
effaced by the pres^iire of a consolidating and arbitraiy 
power, cases of this description have ever been regarded 
as subjects of fair discussion and amicable explanation. 
They are tried and settled like other questions of law and 
equity, except that from necessity the greater power is 
judge and party. And it has never yet been determined 
that a state having in substance ptrrformed a duty enjoined 
by the htad of the confederacy, has neverlhtless incurred 
the penalties of contumacy, merely for a deviation from 
a prescribed mode of operation, by which no advantage 
accrued to the individual, and no detriment arose to th« 
league. 

The case in question would have been entirely parallel 
to the case supposed, if the government of Massachusetts, 
actuated by a sincere conviction of the correctness of its 
exposition of the Constitution of the United States, for 
that reason only^ had constantly withheld the militia from 
the command of their officers, but had nevertheless de- 
tached the troops required under the command of state 
officers, and m all other respects, complied with the requi*- 
1* 



6 

sitions of the President. But the claim of Massachusetts 
rests on still more favorable ground. The militia was 
not uniformly withheld from the command of the officers 
appointed by the President. But in the most important 
instances in which they were thus withheld, the conduct 
of the executive of Massachusetts was influenced by con- 
siderations of great moment, independent of his own 
opinions, and repugnant to hrs inclinations, for which no 
blame or reproach can possibly be attached to him or to 
the legislature. This assertion will be abundantly sup- 
ported by the subjoined documents and other ample evi- 
dence, which will prove the following facts: 

First, Although upon the requisition of the Secretary 

I of War, communicated at the beginning of the rupture 

tvith Great Britain, the Governor of Massachusetts, with 

j; the advice of his council, and under the sanction of the 

opinion of the Supreme Court, declined calling out all the 

li militia required under the officers commissioned by the 

I President, yet, at a subsequent period, when the danger 

became imminent, before any injury or inconvenience had 

arisen to the public service from delay, he did call out and 

< detach several bodies of state troops under those officers, 

\m compliance with their requests. 

J Second, At the last mentioned epoch, the same execu- 
tive government of Massachusetts, as far as possible, did 
I comply with the presidential requisition. But in some 
Jinstances it became impracticable, owing to the extreme 
repugnance of tha militia, both officers and men, without 
distinction of party, to be subjected to the control of the 
iofficers of the United States, manifested by remonstrances, 
secessions from the field, and demonstrations of discon- 
tent, which in a moment of sudden danger and alarm 
i could not have been resisted by the rigor of discipline, 
without the hazard of aggravating the evils. 

Third, That the executive government of Massachu- 
setts, accommodating itself to these emharrasments, did, 



to the utmost of Us power, endeavor to co-operate with the 
army and navy officers of the United States in their 
plans of defence; and for this purpose an agreement was 
made between general Gushing, while in command of the 
first military district, and the adjutant general of Massa- 
chusetts: and that for the protection of the most im- 
portant fortresses, an informal arrangement was had be- 
tween the governor and major general Dearborn, who 
succeeded to the command of the district, by the terms 
of which, his son, being a brigadier general, then re- 
cently appointed in the Massachusetts militia, was placed 
under him in the command of a fort, justly considered 
as the great safe-guard of the navy yard and ships of the 
United States, while he retained the command of ano- 
ther, the principal fort: That the troops called into the 
field were stationed with a view to reinforce these forts, 
and boats were prepared for their transportation, in case 
of attack; so, that in that event, the most elTective force 
of the state, and the entire defence of Boston, and its 
harbors, would have been at the disposal of the said 
major general. A perfect intelligence also v/as main- 
tained, by the most friendly communications, betweer^ 
the governor and the principal officers of the navy 
of the United States, for acting in concert, which receiv- 
ed the approbation of the Secretary of the Navy. The 
same spirit of accommodation was extended to the ope> 
rations in the district of Maine, where a most important 
command in the militia called out for service, was en- 
trusted to major general William King, an officer pos- 
sessing the confidence of the President, and actually em- 
ployed by him. 

Fourth That measures for defending the state were 
adopted and enforced by the government, and supported 
by the people with alacrity, good faith, patriotic zeal, de- 
termined courage, and wise economy, lo this end all 



s I 

was done that promised utility — all that was proved by- 
events to be necessary; and though, in some instances, 
the militia were omitted to be placed under the command 
of the army officers, yet from the commencement of the 
war the whole of that body was held in readiness for any 
emergency, and the views and objects of the executive 
government of the United States, in providing for the 
common defence, by the aid of the militia, were, in real- 
ity, promoted with all the efficiency qf which they would 
have been susceptible, under the formal command of the 
major general of the military district, or any other officer*- 

The state of Massachusetts now respectfully asks for 
authority to be given to the proper department, to reim* 
burse the expense incurred by these services, upon esta-* 
biishing these facts, by conclusive evidence, to be exhi- 
bited to th;^it department, or any other competent judica- 
tory. If, from these facts, the justice or equity of the 
claim can be demonstrated, it would be derogatory to the 
dignity of the national government to anticipate its rejec- 
tion. The legislature of the state undoubtedly regarded 
the declaration of war, with a sensation of deep regret, and 
expiessed, on various occasions, its repugnance to that 
measure, and a most earnest desire for its termination, 

I^Iany persons, probably of high intellectual preten- 
tions, and of unblemished moral worth, who may be cal- 
led upon to consider this subject, may recur to those prO' 
ceedings oi the state government with feelings of great 
disapprobation; but they will discern in them no plea for 
the avoidance of a claim whose justice is independent of 
these proceedings. The real value of what is done can- 
not be impiiired bv what is said, in cases where the value 
is fixed and specific. An agent, advancing money tor 
his principal, which comes to his benefit in an authorized 
concern, is entitled to reimbursement, however he may 
have expressed dissatisfaction with his agency. If the 



9 

language of debate or remonstrance, or of assemblages of 
citizens, or of the public papers, can be urged in opposi- 
tion to a claim for moneys expended in the common 
cause, the objection could not be affected by the charac- 
ter or commission of the commanding officer, under 
whose authority the expenditures were made. The ob- 
jection is either destitute of weight, or it applies to the 
claim itself, and not to the mode of its origin. 

It may be also recollected, as a circumstance favora- 
ble to this claim, that immediately after the period of its 
accruing, Congress, upon full experience and considera- 
tion of the best mode of prosecuting the war, made pro- 
vision for employing forty thousand militia within their 
respective states, and under their own officers. This law 
would seem to imply a sanction to the practice then lately 
adopted by the government of Massachusetts, or at least 
a compliance with the preference iexpressed by that and 
several other states. Had it been passed a few months 
earlier, this claim would have been embraced almost with- 
in its letter, and certainly within its spirit. It is then 
reasonable to hope, that the liberality of government will 
apply retrospectively^ principles, which though not embo° 
died into the form of a statute at the moment when the 
claim accrued, possessed the same intrinsic soundness 
then as at the period when their practical application was 
sanctioned by law. 

The claim of Massachusetts, and of other states, under 
similar circumstances, has been once fully recognised by 
one branch of the legislature. A bill providing for the pay t 
of the militia employed under their own officers, in the 
service of the United States passed the Senate, with great 
unanimity, after full information of all facts and circum- 
stances. In the House of Representatives, it was post- 
poned, by the suspension of all but indispensable busi- 
ness, on the unexpected nev/s of peace; as was also a si- 



10 

milar bill afterwards, through the pressure of affairs, at? 
the close of a short session. It will now be again pre- 
sented for consideration, under a full assurance that eve- 
ry honorable member of the National Legislature will 
either dispassionately investigate its merits, as supported 
by evidence, or refer such investigation to some other 
competent department, with authority to do what to 
equity and justice may appertair^ 



• ■ i 

■1 

i I . ' J: 



JVote from James Lloyd ami William H, Sumner, Esjs, 
age'its for the state of Massachusetts 9 to the Acting Se- 
cretanj of War, dated 

Washington, February 3, 1817. 

SIR, 

IN the conferences we have had the honor to have 
with you, in relation to the claim of the state of Massa- 
chusetts for expenses incurred and supplies furnished for 
the service of the nnilitia of that state, for general 
security and protection during the late war, with the 
adjustment of which claim we have been charged, 
it has been our wish, as we have before made known to 
you, to conduct the examination and settlement of the ac- 
count, with the respect and deference always due to the 
highest public functionaries of the nation, and to pursue 
that course, which, while it would do justice to the state, 
we on this occasion have the honor to represent, would 
also, best comport with the convenience and wishes of the 
executive of the United States, to whom, in the first in- 
stance, we considered it most proper to apply. 

We understand, from the laws passed in the years 17S5, 
and 1814^, authorizing, uiider certain circumstances, de- 
tachments of the militia, on the requisition of the Presi- 
dent of the United States, that the expenses incurred in 
consequence of such requisitions have been liquidated and 
paid by the general government; and that when the mili- 
tia has been ordered by state auihority, into service, with- 
out the request of the President, and the occasion has, in 
the opinion of the executive of the United States, justifi- 
ed the call for their services, that a subsequent recogni- 
tion has been considered as equal to a previous requisition^ 
and that on this construction of the powers given by ihe 
laws beforemention.:d, to the President, ve y large claims 
have been admitted, and paid in whole or in part, either 
by advances, or on final adjustment, to several of the 
states who hav^^ prest nted them. 

On this grouoil. therefore, and justlv presunning on the 
distribution of that equal and exact justice to all the mem- 



12 

bers of this great family of states, which alone could furnisL 
the vital principle of their union, and which undoubtedly 
will govern the conduct oi the general government on this 
and on all other occasions, we have hoped that the account 
we had the honor to present, w^uld have been admitted, at 
least to an investigation on its merits, and that, as the sim- 
plest and most easy method of examination that presented 
itself, we should be allowed to take up the several items 
which composed it, in succession, in the order in which 
they have been arranged, and to offer them for admission 
or rejection, accordingly as the judgment or sense of du- 
ty of the head of the department, or the proper officer de- 
signated for the purpose, might determine; not expecting 
that a claim for any expense would be allowed, unless it 
were shown that the occasion called for its being incurred; 
that the service was both effectively and economically ren- 
dered, and that it has been fully and honorably paid for 
by the state. 

This course we regret extremely to find is not accepta- 
ble to the executive, if we were correctly impressed by 
the conversations which we had the honor to hold with 
you; the result of which we understand to be, that the ex- 
penses not having been incurred under the authority of the 
United States, and the governor of Masssachusetts having 
omitted to place the militia of the state under the officers 
of the general government, no account of this kind could 
be received for examination at the Department, without 
an antecedent recognition by the President of the United 
States, of the several cases under which the expenses 
arose. 

We cannot but lament this course being now taken, 
because we do not learn that it has been asked in any 
other instance to be pursued so much in detail, as we now 
presume it to he required, in reference to the claim of 
Massachusetts; because it will unavoidably entail a con- 
siderable delay in classing anew, the various expenses of 
the same bodies of the militia, as they were at different 
times called into service, under seperate heads or occa- 
sions, and may require a minuteness of evidence, in sup- 
port of the urgrr.cy of iheir being employed, which the 
notoriety of the occasions, at the time they occurred, and 
the line of conduct understood to be adopted to- 



13 

wards other claims, was not supposed to require; and 
wh'ch evidence is not, even now, in all its parts prob I'oly 
in i'xiscencei as a matter of record, and must there lore, 
in many instances, -still remain to be collected in an oifi- 
cial or authentic shape, if this rigor in point of forqa 
should be adhered to. 

It is undoubtedly true, and neither a wish is felt, nor a 
direction been received to conceal the fact, that a differ- 
ence of opinion has unfortunately existed between the 
general government of the United States and the govern- 
ment of Massachusetts, respecting the constitutional pow- 
ers of the former, in relation to the control of the militia 
of the several states in the union; and it is greatly to be 
deprecated, that a difference in the construction of 
constitutional powers should ever excite other sentiments 
than those of a reciprocal respect, and a mutual disposi- 
tion after dispassionate consideration, to amend what may 
be defective, and to provide a remedy for the evils of the 
fu;ure, from the inconveniencies of the past; and more 
especially should this be the case, in a government found- 
ed on the choice of enlightened freemen, to secure the 
enjoyment of rational liberty to themselves and their pos- 
terity, and tlie chief preservative of the purity, and con- 
sequent duration of which, must spring from the jealous 
vigilance with which all questionable expansions of power 
ought to be viewed; either on the part of the general gov- 
ernment, or that of the states; and which dispositions, 
therefore, instead of meeting the frowns, would appear 
to be eniitled to the support and encouragement of every 
iriend to the present form of government, and who would 
wish to maintain and transmit it, resting on its existing 
foundations, pure and unimj)aired to distant generations: 
and in a more particular manner should this disposition 
of mutual respect and deference, for conflicting opinions 
prevail, where the event has happily proved the evils ap- 
prehended to flow Irom them, to be those of imagination 
radier than of reality; and when the present prosperous 
circumstances of the country admit the people of the 
U*. 'led states, the legitimate fountain of all power, peace- 
ably to adopt that corrective, which their ardent desire 
to secure and prestrve their own rights and those of the 
general and state governments, as defined by their re - 



14 

V 

spective constitutions, will undoubtedly Induce them to 
apply, should they consider the occasion as requirii g it. 

The point in discussion, that of the constitutional con- 
trol of the militia, and the extent to which it has been 
given to the general government, or is retained bj' the 
states respectively, has, from the first adoption of the 
federal constitution, been, perhaps, a question more 
doubtful and interesting in its nature, and has given rise 
to a greater diversity of opinion among the most eminent 
statesmen of the country, and probably allows of a more 
honest difference of sentiment than can be brought into 
controversy under any other provision of that constitu- 
tion. 

Without meaning to sustain, or scarcely to enter into 
the argument, it is on the one hand conceded, that a de- 
nial of the construction given by the general government 
would lessen the power, and, under certain circumstances, 
materially impair the strength of the nation; while, on 
the other, the admission, to the fullest extent of the doc- 
trine, that the executive of the union is to be the only 
judge of the em.ergencies under which the militia is to 
be brought into the service of the United States, at the 
time and in the manner which it might think expedient; 
,ind that when so brought into service, the militia can, by 
?he junction of a large number of their men, to a m.erc 
skeleton of regular troops, be, in fact, officered by the 
United States; and that the executives of the several 
^.tates, contrary to their belief in the existence of such 
rmergencies, would be bound to bow before this tribunal, 
-rected in the breast of a single individual, and to yield 
amplicit obedience to such opinion, must, after the sur- 
render by the several states of the principal sources of 
iheir revenue, place them entirely at the mercy or dispo- 
sition of any future tenant of power. Strip the indi- 
vidual states of their physical as well as fiscal force, and 
it would scarcely leave them in possession of even a rem- 
nant of that sovereignty and self-dependence, which some 
of them undoubtedly supposed they had retained. But, 
•it is repeated, it is not intended to discuss this question 
further than to prove, that, w^ith the most correct views, 
different sentiments may honestly and intelligently exist 
with regard to it; and that, at any rate, the opinion adopted 



for the time by Massachusetts, was one fah'ly and deli- 
berately formed by the governor of a large and respect- 
able state, himself a statesman of forty years experience 
in the highest offices in the country, and with the advice 
of his council; was corroborated by a judicial tribunal 
commanding the highest respect where known, and who 
are, by the constitution of the state, bound to give their 
opinion *' upon important questions of law and upon so- 
lemn occasions," to the executive; was an opinion con- 
firmed by the legislature and sanctioned by the people, by 
their reiterated support and election to office of the same 
public agents who adopted and avowed it; an opinion, 
therefore, entitled to great respect under all circum- 
stances, and meriting every consideration which the most 
deliberate judgement could give to it, and, perhaps, re- 
quiring the settlement of a point so interesting in itself, 
and so open to controversy, in the mode pointed out by 
the constiiation, by an amendment explanatory of its pow- 
ers as applied to the rights of the general government 
and the states, in the employment of the militia in the 
cases contemplated by the constitution. 

This course has already been recommended by the 
executive of a highly respectable state, (South Carolina) 
not interested in the immediate question to be adopted 
by its legislature, and seems to be the best founded in 
reason and expediency, and the one which might be at- 
tended with the happiest eft'ects hereafter in preventing 
misconstructions, or collisions of opinion, when they 
might become injurious to the public safety, if the subject 
W'ere le-ft in its present unsettled state. At any rate, in r 
government jet in its infancy; in a government of experi 
ment, which had never before tested, or attempted to ex 
ercise its powers in a foreign war, and under a state o 
public sentiment unprecedented in former times, it can 
not be wished or expected by any part of the community 
that a difference of opinion relative to the extent of con 
stitutional powers sanctioned, as was that formed by th< 
state of Massachusetts, whether correct or erroneous ii 
itself, can be suffered, after the services have been ren 
dered, and the protection wanted, in a great measure ob 
taintd, to remain as a lasting source of irritation, or t 
operate as a pecuniary mulct upoa a brave and free pet 



pfe who ilrst reared the standard that ultimately, by the 
common efforts of the nation, waved triumphantly over 
the established independence of the country, and who in 
that vv'ar, as well as in the last, furnished their full propor- 
tion of those who filled its armies and fought its batdes. 
Stiil less, if possible, can it for a moment be believed, 
that a claim thus founded, on a necessary and unavoida- 
ble defence for the general safety, against a common ene- 
my, and not amounting in the whole to one-third of the 
suirMvhich is contributed towards the revenues of the 
United States, in a single year, by a single port of the 
state that advanced it, can be retained as a lure for politi- 
cal subserviency, or its liquidation be withheld for the ad- 
vancement of party purposes; a doctrine too discreditable 
to receive a moment's confidence, and requiring from the 
undersigned an apology for its introduction, only to be 
jlerived from the pubhc avowal and recommendation that 
has been made of it; and the expression of their perfect 
conviction, it will meet, both from the high offices of the 
government and from the people of the United States, 
the reprobation it deserves. We cannot, therefore, but 
feel confident, that the rightful and constitutional remedy 
before noticed, if it should appear in the good judgment 
3f Congress to be needful, will be resorted te, and that 
^he claim of the state of Massachusetts will be admitted 
xnd repaid by the general government. Under the infiti- 
^nce of these impressions, we beg leave to state as the 
origin of this claim, and as matter of notoriety, that at 
he commencement of the war, the regular troops, per- 
laps not exceeding at the time, a man to a mile, of the 
Lxposed seacoast of Massachusetts, were at a very early 
jeriod withdrawn to the northern frontier; that after the 
^irst year of the war the maritime border of the state was 
'requently threatened by the enemy; that a part of it was 
'ctually invaded, and a very commanding naval and mili- 
ary position in it, unassailable when once fortified and 
ossessed. without a superior naval force, except with 
Veat and nearly inevitable destruction, was secured and 
etained by the enemy; thus cutting off and keeping, in 
|ome degree, under his control, a large division of the 
tate, depriving it of the power of military co-operation, 
r of (I safe and easy intercourse with the capital or the 



17 

government; that the harbors along the coast were fre« 
quently annoyed; expedilions for further conquests me- 
naced, and preparations made for effecting it; that seve- 
ral ports in the state were entered; the vessels in them in 
some instances burnt; that small defenceless towns were 
laid under contribution; that predatory incursions and 
alarms constantly prevailed, and that the security and 
protec ion of the inhabitants of the state from further 
aggression and insult, were derived from the services of 
the militia, in the way in which they were rendered, and 
in which, from various circumstances there is reason to 
believe, the defence of the state by the militia, could alone 
have been made effectual. 

The circumstances relative to the calls for the service 
of the militia, having communicated to Congress by the 
department and for the greater part printed, we will not 
trespass upon your time further in relation to them, than to 
remark that the first call v<^as made in consequence of a let- 
ter of the honorable William Eustis, written prior to the de* 
claration of war, and v*?hen that event still remained sus- 
pended in a very doubtful scale, and that none of the con- 
stitutional emergencies did at that time exist, or were ex- 
pected by the government of Massachusetts speedily to 
occur; nor did they occur to any extent of importance, 
until two years alter the request of general Dearborn, on 
June 22d, under the authority given him on the 12th 
of that month; but shortly after the declaration of war, 
to wit: on the 3d July, 1812, the executive of Massachu- 
setts issued the general order, which accompanies the 
present communicasion, for the purpose of placing the 
militia of the commonwealth in the most effective possi- 
ble state; " exciting their love of country, and exhorting 
them to be obedient to the provisions and intentions of 
the laws in every respect, and to be ready wkh alacrity 
and effect, to defend their constitutional rights and lib- r- 
ties/'and apprisir.g diem incase of invasion or imminenfi 
danger thereof, ^hey were to march without delay, and 
when in the actual service of the United States, to be 
placed under the orders at the President thereof: this or- 
der was sent the same day it was issut-d, to general Dear- 
born, and shortly after this, a body of militia, consisting 
of three companies, was placed in the service of the 



18 

United Sates at Eistport, under the orders oi general 
JBoyd. 

The next request received by the governor was in 
tluly, 1814, when the probability of attack having increas- 
ed, the general requested eleven hundred n^en might be 
ordered out, for the defence of the most exposed parts of 
the seacoast. This order was complied with, the troops 
placed under the authority of the United States, and the 
service performed; part of the said troops to the number 
requested by general Dearborn, having been stationed at 
Castineand Machias, prior to the capture of those places 
by the enemy* 

On the 5th of September, lSl-i<, general Dearborn again 
^nad^ a requisition on the governor of Massachusetts for 
a body of mditia, when the general orders of the 6lh of the 
same month v/as issued, and every measure taken to 
guard against the attacks of the enemy. A considerable 
bodv of the elite of the militia from the interior was or- 
dered into immediate service, and marched and encamp- 
ed on the seaboard; and the vvhcle of the militia were 
enjoined to hold themselves in constant readiness, and 
were called upon '* by every motive of the love of coun- 
U'w, of honor, and s) mpathy for their fellow citizens, who 
might be suffering the penis of war, to maintain the most 
■ perfect state of preparation, and to move when called to 
the scene of action, with the utmost celerity." I5ut the 
' difficulties which had arisen, and the complaints that had 
1 been made from placing the militia in the immediate ser* 
' vice of the United States, under United States' officers, 
on former occasions, had been such as to induce the belief 
' It would be inexpedient, if not hazardous, to repeat the 
' order, without having the power to enforce it. An ar- 
f ra-^gement was however subsequently made with general 
* Dearborn, to place part of the militia in the forts of the 
3 United States, in the harbor of Boston, under direction cf 
< his son, general ILA.S. Dearborn,andthe very efficient bo- 
^ dy of troops beforementioned, v^ere stationed in the vici- 
^ nity of the forts, to reinforce and support them. 
C A fourth requisition was made by general Dearborn to 
} guard the prisoners at Pittsfield, but the same causes ope- 
} rated as in the other case, in addition to the belief that in 
(he midst of a thickly settled population^ the danger of 



19 

escape from the existing guard, or of insurrection, did 
not reqarre a compliance with the call. The event veri» 
fied the soundness of the opinion. 

These are all the calls for the militia, which are known 
to have been made, and it is believed it can be shown, that 
the omission to place the militia in the service of the Unit- 
ed States, was a matter of form, rather than of fact; that the 
protection of the country was never for a moment abandon- 
ed, and that the militia were assembled, and in readiness to 
act whenever emergencies appeared to require them; that 
the arrangements adopted were judicious, and in seve- 
ral instances, predicated upon the wishes of the officers of 
the United States, or of those who had the confidence of 
the general government, and who were, at the time, or 
subsequently, taken into its service, as will appear from 
the correspondence of generals Dearborn, Kmg, and H. 
A. S. Dearborn; and of commodore Bainbridge and cap- 
tain Hull of the navy, herewith presented; and also from 
the letter of the honorable William Jones, late Secretary 
of the Navy. 

It can be demonstrated also, that the service of the mi- 
litia so rendered, were both frugal and effective, as large 
bodies of troops were never unnecessarily called into ser- 
vice, nor retained in it longer than the occasion required; 
that the constant appearance and probable knowledge of 
preparation and readiness to repel attack, prevented the 
advances, or further depredations of the enemy. AVhile 
the propriety of this mode of defence has beep admitted, 
as we conceive, not only by the correspondence before 
referred to, and by the payments made under similar 
circumstances to other states, but also by the dictum 
of a former Secretary of War, promulgated at a period 
when, from the absence of all causes ot irritation, the 
most dispassionate judgement could be formed, " t/iat it 
is laxvful for the governor of a slate, when the sta'e may 
hf invaded, or in imminent danger of invasion, to he the 
judge of the degree and duration of the damrer, and to ap^ 
portion thr defence to the exigencies that presented;''' as ap. 
pears from the report of general Dearborn, made to the 
House of Representatives of the United States, Feb*-u- 
ary 3d, 1803; and also from the opinion of General 
Knox, when in the same office, as expressed in his letteF 



20 

of June 10th, 1793, to the governor of Georgia: and 
the utility and necessity of the said services of the mi- 
litia, as they were rendered, is still more fully and 
strongly confirmed by the fact, that when so ordered into 
service, they received the recognition of General Dear- 
born, by the supplies of muskets and munitions of war, 
he in certain cases, and to a considerable extent, furnish- 
ed them with, on loan or otherwise, from stores of the 
United States, and which had been requested of him, 
expressly for the useof such bodies of the militia, ordered 
into service for the general defence of the seaboard. 

The foregoing embraces the brief outline of the claim 
we have been instructed to present; and we proceed now, 
in compliance v/ith the suggestion of the Department of 
State, that so far as we have at present at command the 
means of judging, it may be classed under the following 
heads, viz: 

1- For the expenses of the militia who were called out 
i by their respective officers, in consequence of an attack 
or threat to lay small towns and defenceless places under 
contribution, or who rallied suddenly against the preda- 
■ tory incursions of the enemy's ships and barges; most of 
l! whom were in service only a few days at any one time, 
• having been discharged as soon as the danger ceased; and 
' for the pay and subsistence of small guards and detach- 
' xnents, ordered out at the suggestion of General Dear- 
^ born, for the defence of several small villages whose 

shipping and property were much exposed. 
^ 2. For the payment and supplies of the militia who were 
■■ detached and ordered into the service of the United 
'' States, from the time the} were mustered in their several 
^ companies until they arrived at their places of rendez- 
^ vous. and for the rations and supplies furnished them after 
' they were received into the service of the United States, 
' none having been provided for them at the time. 
' 3. For the pay and supplies of the militia marched 
for, and employed m, the defence of the Penobscot fron- 
} tier, after the country east of that river was taken pos- 
t session of by the enemy. 

f 4. For the expenses of the militia who were de- 

i tachid, agreeably to the request of the superintendent of 

the militarv district, offered to be placed in the service of 



21 

the United States, organized according to law, which of- 
fer was accepted but a short time before the period for 
which they were detached had expired; by reason of 
which, and the inability of the contractor on the station 
to furnish the supplies, they were retained in the service 

of the state. 

5. For the expense of the militia at Portlnnd, which 
were called into service at the request of the committee 
of safety of that town, at a time when the enemy's fleet, 
with troops on board, was lyinv^ on the coast; when great 
alarm existed in the town, and an attack was momently 
expected; when the principal reliance for the defence of 
the town was on the militia; and when the seacoast must 
have been protected by them or abandoned to the will of 
the enemy. 

6. For troops employed for the defence of important 
exposed places, some of which were attacked, and for 
the defence of whidi no troops were requested to be 
placed in the service of the United States. 

7. For troops, which, at the request of the committee 
of safety, of various towns, in time of alarm, were march- 
ed in for the defence of those places, more than those 
which were placed, or offered to be placed, in the service 
of the United States, for the defence of such places, and 
who were immediately discharged on the cessation of 
danger. 

8. For troops that were called in for the defence of 
Boston, besides those placed in the forts of the United 
States, and who were stationed in its vicinity to rein- 
force the garrisons of those forts in case of attack, and to 
prevent the enemy from obtaining possession of the 
heights adjoining, which commanded the forts of the 
town and the United States' navy yard. 

9. For troops, which, at the request of the several na- 
val commanders at Boston and Portsmouth, and at the 
suggestion of general Dearborn, were called out for the 
protection of the United States' sevtnty-four gun ships, 
building at those places, and for the defence of the ships of 
war of the United States, which were chased into port; 
part of the evidence, in reference to which, may be seen 
!n the letters of general Dearborn, commodore Bain- 
bridge, and captain Hull, and of adjutant general Brooks, 
who, in consequence of th- directions of the executive, 



promptly complied with the requests made — ordereci 
some of the most effective and valuable corps in the state 
into service, and informed the commodore that the go- 
vernor was fully disposed to do every thing " in his pow- 
er to aid in defending the navy yard, and the ships in 
the harbor, which his authority', by the constitution, 
would admit." 

10. For an allowance to the militia for arms and cloth- 
ing, and the use of their horses, when in service. 

±i. For the cost of procuring small arms, which were 
distributed among the militia: For mounting and trans- 
portmg pieces of heavy ordnance, purchasing ammuni- 
tion, tents, military stores, and equipage;* For barracks, 
built and hired for the troops, and damage done to indi- 
viduals, in their property, by erecting forts, and occupy- 
ipg their buildings as barracks. 

12, For the. expenses of materials furnished for build- 
ing platforms, magazines, furnaces, pickets, &c. in forts 
and batteries, erected in conformity with the advice and 
suggestions of the naval and military commanders of the 
United States. 

13. For the pay and supplies of the militia who were 
employed in fatigue duty, in repairing, extending, and 
strengthening the United States' forts in various places, 
and for the costs of the materials therefor, and for shot 
and other supplies of ammunition, furnished to the com- 
manders of tliose forts. 

1^. For the pay and rations of the militia in the 
most exposed and important towns on the seaboard, who 
were ca led out two days in the week for discipline and 
exercise, agreeably to the wishes of the officers of the 
Viiittd States. 

lb. For the purchase of several large ships, and pre- 
paruig them to be sunk in the main channel of Boston 
harbour, in concurrence with the opinion of naval and 
military commanders in the service of the United States, 
for the security of the navigation, towns, and navy yard, 
which vessels were sold after the peace, and the proceeds 
credited to the United States. 

The preceding specifications offers to view, sir, the 
principal heads of charges incurred and paid by the state^ 
for the general defence and security during the late war, 
which at present occur to usj but we will omit at this time 



23 

io burden you with voluminous documents in their sup» 
port, ay we understand the judgment with regard to them 
is to rest on principles and not on details, and to be deter- 
mined by the authority given by the existing laws of the 
United States, the usage under them, and the opinion of 
the executive. I'he vouchers in support of the claim 
shall be promptly furnished, as soon as v/e can ascertain 
what may be wanted, and can procure them from Massa- 
chusetts; but as we came unprepared for the exhibit un- 
der the form that has been prescribed, and are unwilling 
longer to delay this note for the receipt of further docu- 
ments, we ask leave to be considered as reserving *o the 
state or its agents, the right hereafter to extend, alter, or 
■amend it, as a further developement of the circumstances 
of the several items of the account, or the evidence in 
their support may require. 

Under this illustration of the claim, we have now the 
honor to request you will be pleased to inform us, whe- 
ther the expenses which have arisen under the heads be- 
fore enumerated, and which have been paid by the state^ 
will be admitted to an examination at the war department? 
and if the whole should not be admitted, what part may 
be considered by the executive as entitled to payment, on 
the proof hereafter to be produced, being satisfactorilv 
established? 

We will only extend the present letter by making 
known our readiness and desire to ajTord every further 
personal or other explanation on the subject to which it 
relates, whenever you may have the gi cclness to inform 
us it would be acceptable to 3 ou to receive it; and we also 
avail ourselves of the occasion to express the due sense 
we entertain of the urbanity and courtesy we have indivi- 
dually experienced, both from the State and 'War Depart- 
ments, in the intercourse we have had with them on the 
business committed to our charge. Requesting from you, 
sir, the favor of an answer, as soon as the importance oY 
the suljject, and your other various avocations will permit, 

We have the honour to be, witli sentiments of great con- 
sideration, your very respectful and obedient servants, 

JAMES LLOYD. 
WILLIAM H. SUMNER. 
Washington, Febmar-j 3, 1817. 

To the honoiivabls George Graham, 

feting Secretary of War of tlie United States. 



24 
No 1. 

Commonxveahli of Massachusetts, 
[General orders,} 

ILadquarters^ Boston, July 3, 1812. 

War having been declared by the government of the 
United States, against Great Briain and Ireland, and the 
dependencies thereof, the commander in chief calls on 
the militia of Massachusetts duly to notice the solemn 
and mtt resting crisis; and exhorts them to meet the occa- 
sics' with constancy and firmness. When war is com- 
menced, no hirna > foresight can discern the time of its 
termination, or the course of events that must follow in 
its train; but the path of duty is the path of sarfety. Pro- 
vidence seldom abandons to ruin thiose, who, to a just re- 
liance on the superintending influence of Heaven, add 
their own vigilant and strenuous exertions to preserve 
themselves. 

At the present moment, therefore, the commander in 
chief earnestly recommends to the officers of every grade, 
a close and persevering attention to the duties resulting 
from their several stations; particularly, that they acquire 
and maintain a perfect knowledge of the condition of 
their respective commands, and see, as far as in their 
power, that their men are duly armed and equipped; 
that the time allotted to trainings, be devoted to ihe in- 
struction of the noncommissioned officers and soldiers 
in the exercise of arras, and in the practise of evolu- 
tions, as prescribed in the established regulations; and 
that the provisions and intentions of the laws, be, in eve- 
ry respect, fulfilled, that thev may be ready, with alacrity 
and effect, to defend their country, their constitutional 
rights, and those liberties, which are not only our birth- 
right, but which, at the expense of so much blood and 
treasure, were purchased iri the late revolution. 

From the docility, from the good sense and patrlott 
ism. of the noncommissioned officers and soldiers, the 
commander in chief is kd to expect a patient submissi'>ii 
to the instructions of 'hr\\ officers, prompt obedience to 
their orders, and the practise of all those military and 



Td 



mastuiine virtuci^, which adorn the soldier and exalt the 
man. 

To all the militia, hoih officers and soldiers, the com- 
mander in chief would superadd an earnest exhortation, 
as they are citizens, as well as soldiers, to cultivate a spi- 
rit of candor, of friendship, and mutual forbearance, and 
an ardent love of country, that shall elevate them above 
all sinister views, and eventually secure to them and 
their children the blessings of peace, of libert}-, and good 
government. 

The commander ii: chief requires that particular atten- 
tion be paid to the town magazines; that they are fully 
providttd with the ammunition, military stores, and uten- 
sils, which the law directs; and the brigade quartermas* 
ters are required to perform their duty with promptitude 
and exactness. 

In such divisions as have not completed the detach- 
ment of ten thousand men, called for by the general or- 
ders of the 25th day of April last, the major generals, or 
commanding officers of those divisions, are enjoined to 
attend to that service without delay, and to make and 
complete the detachments, from their respective corps, 
of their several quotas of the said ten thousand men, and 
to make return of the same as speedily as may be, to the 
adjutant general. The said generals, and other officers, 
tvill take care that the militia, so detached, are duly pro- 
vided with the efficient arms and accoutrements necessa- 
ry for actual service. The militia, detached by the orders 
above alluded to, after they are fornved, conformably to 
said orders, will hold themselves in readiness to march 
on the shortest notice, pursuant to the orders to be given 
by the commander in chief, unless in case of actual inva- 
sion, or imminent danger thereof, in which case, without 
waiting for such orders, they will march without delay, 
to the defence of any part or parts of this commonwealth, 
that shall be so invaded, or in imminent danger of inva- 
sion; and when in the actual service of the United States, 
will be under the command of the President, agreeably 
to the constitution of the United States. 

And W/hereas the quota often thousand militia, requir- 
ed, as aforesaid, being to be raised from the several di- 
visions and corps throughout the commonwealth cannot 
o 



26 

be assembled in time to repel a sudden invasion, and ft) 
embody them previously, and keep them in constant ser- 
vice, would be extremely burdensome, and even if as- 
sembled would not be adequate to the defence of the nu- 
merous points, on a coast of several hundred miles in 
extent; the commander in chief further orders and directs, 
that the generals, and other officers of the whole militia 
of the commonwealth, bearing in mind the possibility of 
a sudden invasion, hold themselves, and the corps under 
their respective commands, in constant readiness to as- 
semble and march to the defence of any part or parts of 
the commonwealth, pursuant to the orders to be gvcn by 
him; but without waiting for such orders, in case of ac- 
tual invasion, or such imminent danger thereof, as will 
Slot admit of delay. 

By the general orders, abovementioned, of the 25th of 
April last, three major generals and six brigadier gtnei> 
rals were assigned to command in that detachment, with- 
out being regularly detailed from the roster. The com- 
mander in chief, therefore, orders, that the following ge- 
neral officers, being detailed liom the rotter, as the law 
directs, be appointed to command in the said detachment, 
in lieu of the general officers named in the general orders 
aforesaid, viz: 

Western Division. 

Major general Ebenezer Mattoon, 
Brigadier general Caleb Burbank, 
Brigadier general Isaac Maliby. . 

Eastern Division, 

Major genera! Henry Sewall, 
Brigadier general John Blake, 
Brigadier general David Payson>. 

Southern Division* 

Major general Joseph B. Varnum, 
Brigodier general Ebenezer Luthrop^ 
Brigadier general William Hildreth. 

Bi/ order of the commander in chiefs 



27 
No 2. 

Copy of a letter from general Dearborn^ to his excellency 
Caleb Strongs governor of the state of Massachusetts^ 
dated ^Military District^ M 1, headquarters^ Bosiony 
July 8, 181i. 

SIR, 

The existing state of alarm on the seaboard of this 
commonwealth, arising from the daily depredations com- 
mitted by the enemy on our coast, renders it desirable to 
afford some additional protection to the citizens gene- 
rally on the seacoast, and especially to the principal towns : 
and villages; and by virtue of authority derived from the ■ 
President of the United States, I deem it my duty, at this 
time, to request that your excellency will be pleased to 
give the necessary orders for having detached, as earlv 
as circumstances will permit, armed and equipped as re 
quired by law, one major of artillery, two captains, eight 
lieutenants, thirteen sergeants, eleven corporals, six mu- 
sicians, and two hundred privates; and one lieutenant co- 
lonel of infantry, two majors, ten captains, thirty subal- 
terns, one adjutant, one quartermaster, Qne paymaster, 
one sergeant major, one quartermaster sergeant, two 
principal musicians, fifty sergeants, fifty corporals, twen- 
ty musicians, and nine hundred privates, to remain in the 
service of. the United States for the term of three 
months, unless sooner discharged by order of the Presi- 
dent of the United States. As it will be necessary to have 
the artillery and infantry placed at the different posts on 
the seaboard of this state, it would be desirable that, as 
far as practicable, they would be detached from the vi- 
cinity of the respective posts. The intended distribu- 
tion of the detachment will be communicated to the ad- 
jutant general of the state, previous to his issuing the ne- 
cessary orders. The proportion of officers, noncommis- 
sioned officers, musicians, and privates, is in conformity 
with the present regulations of the Department of AVar» 
from which 1 am not authorized to admit of any matcrinJ 
dc,viation* 



28 
No. 3. 

Mxtract cf a letter from general Bearborn^ to the Secre* 
tary of War, dated Military District^ JVb. 1, /leadquar- 
terSf Boston, July Vhth^ ISli. 



From the exposed and un|>rntected situation of the 
military poi^t5 in this haiboar, and the seaboard of this 
state generally, and the threats tind daily depredations of 
the enemy, I have concluded it mv duty to exercise the 
authority vested in me by the President of the United 
States, by requesting the governor to order out a detach- 
ment of artillery and infantry. 

A copy of my letter to governor Strong, and of his 
ansv/er, are enclosed. 



No. 4. 

Copy of a letter from his excellency Caleb Strongs govern* 
or of the state of Massachusetts^ to general Dearborn^ 
dated A^orthampton^ July 1^, 181i. 



SIR, 

This morning I received your letter of the 8th instant. 
As you propose to communicate to general Brooks your 
views, concerning the particular destination ol the militia 
to be called out for the defence of the towns on the sea- 
coast of this state, I have written to him on the subject, 
, Your suggestion that the men should be detached, as 
far as may be, from the vicinity of the respective posts, 
1 think is perfectly proper, and 1 have no doubt you will 
be able to make such arrangements with general Brooks 
as will be satisfactorv. 



No. 5. 



.^^ 



Comtnodore Bamhridge to Brigadier General Weltei 

JSTavtf yard, Charlestown, Jipril 6, 1814, 

DEAR SIR, 

Your politeness in consenting to receive signals frore 
the navy yard under my command, merits my thanks, anc 
may be of the highest importance to this useful establish 
ment, in consequence of which ( have the honour to en^ 
close you the code of signals, and avail myself of thi: 
opportunity to express the gratification I received on Sun 
day last, in witnessing the ready disposition of the Adju 
tant General of the Commonweahh, (General Brooks, 
of yourself, and the military under your command, to af 
ford aid in the defence of the frigate Constitution, sup 
posed to be in imminent danger. 

The great activity displayed on that occasion, prove 
that an attack cannot be made by the enemy with impuni 
ty, even to the out harbours of this part of our(:ountry. 

I am, dear sir, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

(Signed) WM. BAUVBaiDpE 

Tlie Hon, Gentral Welles, Boston, 
True copy. 

Attest, A. BRADFORD, 

Secretary oj Commorwueahh 



No. 6.. 

Commodore Bainbridge to Brigadier General Welles^ 

J^avy yard^ Charkstoxvn, April.%Oth, 181? 
DEAR SIR, 

I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt o 
yours of the 19th instant, enclosing to me a transcript o 



ou 



i brigade order issued to the troops under your command^ 
.he arrangement therein made, and the assurance in your 
etter of the support of three thousand effective men, are 
;ruly gratifying to me, and claim my official acknowledg- 
ments; to which I beg leave to add my personal thanks, 
for the very handsome manner in which you have attend- 
ed to my request, and to offer my best wishes for your*- 
>:elf and the troops under your command. 

I have the honour to be, 

AVith great esteem, 

Your obedient servant, 

(Signed) WM. BAINBRID<^E; 

Brigadier General Welles^ Boston. 



^ No. 7. 

Secretary cf the iN'avy to Cojnmodore Bainhridge, 

J^avy Department, Jpril %7th^ ISlti 

The proofs of zeal and alacrity to repel meditated 
tittacks of the enemy, evinced by the correspondence in- 
dosed in yours of the 20th,-* are extremely gratifying, 
and ensure the safety as well of the flourishing town on 
that seaboard, as of naval property, which the enemy is 
■so desirous to destroy. 

I am, very respectfully, 

(Signed) WM. JONES. 

Commodore Wm. BainbridgCy 
commanding naval officer y 
Charlestoxvn^ Mass, 

* The correspondence b€t^yeen General Welles, of Boston, and Conx* 
jnodore Bjimbridge. 



MA 



No. 8, 
Governor Strong to Adjutant General Brooks, 

BostoUy June ±2th, 1814^ 

DEAR SIR, 

I have this moment received your letter, enclosing 
one from commodore Bainbridg to you, and am fully dis- 
posed to do every thing in my power to aid his views, in 
defending the town and navy yard, and the ships in the 
harbor, so far as my authority by the constitution warrants, 
and in the present case I see no difficulty in complying 
with his, or general Cushing's verbal request, which you 
stated to me yesterday, that a company of militia should 
be called out to guard the approach by Chelsea to the na- 
vy yard; and also, that in case of imminent danger of an 
attack, a requisite number of the militia be called to Forts 
Independence and >yarren, to be commanded by general 
Cushing, as he proposed, and to be discharged when the 
danger ceases. If the men are called for, in either case, 
it will be proper to have a written request from general 
Cushing or commodore Bainbridge, to prevent disputes 
hereafter. 

I am, 8?c. 

CALEB STRONG. 

General Brooke, 



No. 9. 

General Brooks to Commodore Bainbridgg, 

Mtdford'i June ±2th, 1814-. 

MY DEAR SIR, 

Your letter of this date I have received, and laid 

"|)efore his excellency the coipmander in chief; and I have 

this moment been instructed by him to call out a compJK 



,52 

ay of milltra to guard the approach to the navy yard by the 
way of Chelsea. Brigadier genera! Austin, of Charies- 
town, is charged with executing that order. The com^ 
mander in chief is fully disposed to do every thing in his 
power, to aid you in defending the navy yard and the 
ships in the harbor, which his authority by the constitu- 
tion warrants. I shall see you to-morrow, and make some 
farther communications on the subject of defence. 

lam with sentiments of great respect and esteem, 

My dear Sir, 
Your obedient servant, 

(Signed) J. BROOKS. 

Xe Commodore Wm» Bainhr'id^e* 



No. 10. 

Commodore Bainbrtdge^ to General John Broods. 
J^avy yard^ Charlestown, June l^th^ 1814. 
DEAR SIR, 

The force of the enemy in Boston bay, justifies ia 
my opinion, apprehensions of an attack being made oriir^ 
this place, and calls for united exertions to repel it. 

The important public property, entrusted to my 
charge within this establishment, might in such an event, 
suffer severely, and would in a considerable degree, ex« 
pose the towns of Boston and Charlestown; I therefore 
hope, that such mtasures will be directed, by his excel- 
lency the governor of the commonwealth of Massachu- 
setts, as shall guard against the threatening danger. 

1 beg leave particularly to recommend, that orders 
be given to the militia, in this neighborhood, to hold 
themselves in readiness to act immediately on the alarm; 
that a guard with two pieces of artillery, be stationed eve- 
ry night, on this side of Chelsea bridge, to give the alarm, 
and repel the enemy, if advancing by that passage; and 
that a look out be kept on the heights, beyond Chelsea 



33 

meeting house, to watch the movements of the enemy, 
and to make them known if of moment, by a man on 
horseback, to carry the intelligence to the navy yard, &c. 

Should his excellency the governor, be pleased to di- 
rect, the foregoing arrangements to be made, it will con- 
tribute to the safety of the United States' property, with- 
in this navy yard. 

At bottom, are the signals, which will be made from 
this yard, in cases of alarm, when the assistance of five or 
six hundred of the militia, might prove of the utmon im- 
portance, to the preservation of the public stores, and the 
seventy four at this place. 

I am, dear sir, 

AVith sentiments of high esteem and respect. 
Your obedient servant, 

WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE. 

P. S. I will feel obliged, by your ordering the 
New England Guards, and their artillery to duty, withia 
this navy yard, every night, until Monday or Tuesday 
next. My only reason for preferring the New England 
Guards, is, that I am acquainted with the officers, and 
know many of the corpSi 

To General John Brooks* 

Signals. 

By day: Two guns fired in quick succession, and a 
red flag hoisted in the navy yard. 

By night: Three guns fired in quick succession, two 
lanthorns hoisted perpendicularly, and the navy yard bell 
rung as loud as possible. 



No. 11. 

Mtdford June 12th, 1814. 

SIK, 

Commodore Bainbridge, having -.; ;j'ied jor aid, in 
protecting and defending the navy yard. Sec, his excels- 



84 

lency the commander in chief, has seen fit to call out a 
company of miliiia, particularly to guard the avenue to 
that post, by Chelsea, and charges you with the execution 
of that duty. Perhaps it may be difficult for you to call 
out a full company to night; you will however, call on the 
commodore, and make the necessary arrangements, for 
a guard this evening, to be taken at your discretion, on 
a conference with the commodore, from any of the mili- 
tary corps in Charlestown. 

I am, very respectfully, 

Sir, your obedient servant, 

J. BROOKS. 

To Brigadier General J^athaniel Austin, 



No. 12. 

J\*avy ifardy ChariestowHy September 5,lS14f* 

DEAR SIR, 

As I feel extremely anxious, in these perilous times, 
when our country is menaced both north and south, by a 
powerful enemy, to know what security can be calculated 
upon in this quarter of our country 1 am induced to ask 
the favor of you, to communicate to me as far as is con- 
sistent with your official duty, and the propriety of my 
request, the measures that are adopted by the comman- 
der in chief of this commonwealth, for the defence of 
this port and the vicinity. 

I beg leave to assure you, that every means within my 
naval command, has been prepared and will be erected, 
for the defence both of the public and private property, 
against any attack the enemy may make. Permit me to 
assure you, that I shall receive with the utmost respect, 
and keep with proper secrecy, the informatior^ of the ar- 
rangements that may be making by you Without the 
least disposition to dictate, I respectfully suggest the 
immediaU. embodying and drilling a respectable force of 
the militia, to be stationed in different quarters in the vi- 
cinity of Boston; to place vedettes, to prevent the possibil* 



35 

ity oi surprise: batteries on Dorchester Heights and 
Noddle's Island, and breast works thrown up on North 
Battery wharf, Mays and Long wharf. 

Those precautions, would in all probability, prevent an 
attack, and if it did not, would enable us to make an ho- 
norable resistance. Allow me, my dear general, to say, 
that if the militia is not embodied in the field, I should 
much fear the work of destruction would be over, before 
they could rendezvous to oppose; for four or six hours, 
would be all the time, the enemy would require. I am 
confident your friendship for me, will induce you to ex- 
cuse, any impropriety in this communication, should any 
therein exist, I should verbally communicate with you, 
had not indisposition prevented it. 

With sentiments of real regard, and very great respect, 
I am dear sir, 

your obedient servant, 

(Signed) WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE, 

The hon, John Braoks, 

Jludj, Gen. of the commonwealth of Masi>achusetU ^ 

\ true copy ris on file in this office, 

E. MATTOON, Adjutant General. 



No. 13. 

Commodore Bainhridge to W, H. Sumner^ esq, 

BoitoUy December 19, 1816» 
DEAR SIR, ' ' 

In answer to your inquiries, I beg leave to refer 
-^ou to my several communications of the following dates; 
Of April 6, 181*, letter to Brig. Gen. Welles 
20, - - to same 

- to same 

- to Adj. Gen. Brooks 

- to Brig. Gen. Welles 

- to Adj. Gen. Brooks 

- to Capt. Geo Sullivan, of 
the N. En^ Guards 

- to Adi. Gen. Brooks 



May 


2, 


June 


8, 




12, 




1.S, 




23, 


-{?pnn 


• T 



S6 

In the communications referred to, there will be found 
the measures I recommended for the defence of public 
and private property at this place, and my solicitations 
for actual assistance for the special protection of the pro- 
perty at the navy yard at Charlestown, which is particu- 
larly expressed in my letter of the 13th of June, 18 14^, 
which was complied with. 

Some days after my letter of the 6th September, 1814,, 
adjutant general Brooks waited on me, and communicat- 
ed the arrangements which had been adopted, by the pub- 
lic authorities of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, 
to repel the enemy in the event of an attack made on 
Boston or its vicinity. During my arduous command at 
the navy yard at Charlestown, I saw many perplexing and 
%'exatious things to thwart the measures of defence of 
this post, until late in the autumn of 1814; but I always 
found in adjutant general Brooks a most ready disposi- 
tion to co-operate with me, for the defence of public and 
private property, as far as was within his means so to do; 
and the same disposition was strongly manifested by bri- 
gadier general Welles, and the military under his com- 
mand. 

lam, dear Sir, 

With esteem and respect, 

Your obedient servant, 

WM. bainbridge;. 



No. 14. 

General King to General Brooks. 

BathyJune27, 1814. 

SIR, 

Your letters under date the 23d inst. are now be- 
fore me. ISo more of the militia have been retained in 
service than is necessary to guurd the various points and 
narrow passes on our rivers. When we were first alarm- 
ed, some of the companies were ordered into the forts 
which were almost destitute of men, pvcj,uming t.hey 
would be more useful there, than in any other situation. 



37 

But as I had no instructions that would authorize mc 
to place them under the command of any officer of the 
United States. They weie, therefore, when in these 
forts, under the command of their own officers. It is 
so manifestly improper that in the same fort, there 
should be officers acting independently of each other, 
that unless it is the intention of the Government of the 
United States, immediately to place the necessary num- 
ber of men in the forts at Georgetown, Edgecomb, and 
Damariscotta, the most acceptable service they can 
render the people on these rivers, is to withdraw what 
troops they have, as interested individuals could do 
more voluntarily, than there is now done by the United 
States, and these persons would act at least in concert 
with the militia. There is now on tliese rivers, more 
than 40,000 tons of shipping. The owners have com- 
menced moving their vessels up the rivers, when this is 
effected the number of the militia out can be reduced. 
But the least number that now will satisfy the people, 
is one company for the various passes on the Kennebec, 
one on the Damariscotta, Bristol and Boothbay, and 
one at Wiscasset, and on the Sheepscut. To the latter 
place the force will be so mucli less than is expected, 
that in my order to general Payson, I shall permit him 
to exercise a discretion to let two companies remain un- 
til I obtain an answer to my letter of the 24<th instant, 
provided he should think it absolutely necessary. As 
there is no other place where there is any number of 
vessels, so there is no other within my division where I 
think there is much danger. 

General Payson forwarded to me this day a letter 
from col. Foote. These companies on the first alarm 
were ordered out by col. Foote, and discharged with the 
exception of 45 men ; I shall direct the discharge of 25 
more, which I think will leave to that station of the 
country about their proportion. That the people will 
complain generally in this section of the country, that 
they have not the necessary number of men, I have no 
doubt. But as the alarms may be frequent, and of con- 
siderable continuance, it is bitter that there should not 
hf» too many on duty at the same time. 



^ 38 

I have attended at all the places within my division 
Where any considerable number of troops have been out, 
for the purpose of discharging as many as it would be 
prudent to discharge immediately. And in discharging 
as many as I have done, I have acted in opposition to 
thf advice of all the magistrates, and generally a large 
proportion of my own officers. 

I am sensible that the expense of defending our coast 
must be great — The property exposed is also great at 
the three places I have named. The shipping alone is 
worth more than a million of dollars. 

1 shall keepi the commander in chief advised particu- 
larly of whatever occurs within the district of my com- 
mand. Also of the nurilber of troops which may be em- 
ployed ; should they at any time exceed the number re- 
'quired, or should they be too much reduced in the opi- 
nion of the commander in chief, I shall expect to be im- 
mediately advised. 

I am. Sir, 

Very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

WM. KING. 

Maj. (xen. 11th divison* 

To the Hon, John Brooks, Jidj, Gen. Boston, 



No. 15. 

General Brooks to General King,-' 

Boston Jidy 1, ISlii, 

SIR, 

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your seve- 
ral letters, dated the 24 and 27th ultimo, and havegreat 
satisfaction, in expressing to you, the approbation of his 
excellency tiie comiuander in chief, as to the arrangement 
you have made and the measures you are pursuing fo^ 



39 

thS safety of the navigation &;c. on the seaboard of your 
division. 

The value of property, at stake, is great ^ and the 
commander in chief wishes, and expects, the means of 
protection, when within your control, to be commensu- 
rate to the object, whatever expenses may be incurred. 

The care you have taken, personally, to visit the most 
important and exposed parts, of your division ; and to 
regulate the number of men to be held in service, and 
tlie promptitude with which the men have turned out, on 
the late alarming occurrences, are subjects highly satis- 
factory, to the commander in chief. 

In relation to any posts, occupied by the United States 
troops as forts, I am instructed by the commander in 
chief, to observe to you, that should application for aid, 
in case of danger, from the approach of an enemy be 
made to you, by the officers commanding them, from an 
authority derived from the president of the United States 
you forthwith furnish the number of men required. 

It will not be expected, however, that an officer of the 
militia, of superior grade to the United States officer, 
commanding at any such post, should be assigned to that 
service. The idea of two independent commands, at 
one military station, is absurd among officers of the same 
grade, precedence to the national commission, will be 
expected ; but, beyond this, I presume the United States 
governmeut, would never expect a concession. In ftir- 
nishingmen to reinforce and defend a fort, commanded, 
for example, by a captain of the United States army, no 
officer of the militia, above that grade, should be detailed 
fur that duty. Between general Gushing and myself, 
two opinions on this subject, did not exist; and all ar- 
rangements, contemplated by us, were intended to com- 
port, with this principle. 

I am, very respectfully. 

Sir, your obedient servant, 

J. BROOKS, Mj. Gen, 



40 



No. U. 

General King, to General Brooks. 

Bathf July 4, 181 i. 
SIR, 

Having been abwsent for several days at, and near 
Boot!? bay, making the necessary arrangements for the 
deli lice of that place, is tlie reason for not having com- 
muiiirated to you the situation of the enemy for a few 
days past. The onlj ship now lying in our waters is 
the Tenedos, she has been at anchor in Booth bay har- 
bor now a week ; the barges of this ship have been out 
every day, and have been constantly attempting a land- 
ing, either at Booth bay, Damariscotta, or Bristol, 
where they have in every instance been beat off; in 
some instances with considerable loss to themselves — 
with no other loss, however, on our part, than one man 
killed from captain Reed's company at Booth bay, on 
the -^d instant. Having examined some men who liad 
been on board the frigate, and reported themselves to 
have been taken, as to the questions asked them by the 
officers of the frigate, I am convinced that it is their in- 
tention to make Booth bay harbor, which is one of the 
best in this district for their purpose, their place of ren- 
dezvous. As this harbor is equally distant from Dama- 
riscotta, Wiscassett, and Bath, by the back river, in 
the event of their being permitted to have the least 
communication with the shore, or the fishermen in the 
ba>, which is their object; they would every day ^tt 
from them the most correct information as relates to the 
state of preparation at the above places. This must 
either be submitted to, or there must be at least two 
companies out at Booth bay. The latter I have con- 
sidered the most correct course to be pursued, and 
have at the request of the select men and agistrates, 
ordered a company in addition to one company from 
Booth bay to that post, as long as the frigate or any 
other ship of that size remains there; or until the plea- 
sure of the commander in chief shall be made known to 



41 



me, which I hope to he advised of hy the rcturrs of tlie 
mail. Four companies whicii were on i\n\y u»uler the 
general order of 1812, having* been out under orders 
from the commanding officers of companies, I have or- 
dered to be discharged, as soon as the two compaiiies 
are on duty, which I think will be the case tills day. 
The men on duty at this time, and who have been de- 
tached by my orders, consist of one company for titc 
Kennebec, and the back rivei- leading to it: One compa- 
ny at Damarriscotta and Bristol : One coinpiiny wliich 
was intended forflie Sheepscut,andtl!eback iiver leading 
to Wiscasseft, and whilii has been ordered to Bootii bay ; 
20 men each from Footc's and Thatcher's re^^iment, to 
guard the frontiers of tiiose regiments. Tiic place of 
the company ordered to Booth bay, is now suj)plied 
from the militia near the posts for a few da^^s; pre- 
suming that it v/ill not be necessary for t!ie detached 
campany ordered to Booth bay, to remain there but a 
short time, when they will do the duty intended for 
them. 

Having stated tlie number of troops which have been 
ordered out from my division, I hope to be advised as 
soon as convenient, whetlier tlie arrangements is a])- 
proved, or in what particular it shall be varied I have 
no objections to taking upon myself on this occasion a 
full share of responsibility for the time necessary to 
advise the commander in chief of whatever is done, 
w^hich is as much I presume as can be expected fi'oni 
any subordinate officer; not Iiaving received answers to 
my last letters, which I have some time expi\^ted, is tiic 
reason why I consider it necessai'y to name this at the 
present time. 

Our guard discovered the enemies barges near Goose- 
rock, at the entrance of the back river, leading to thi j 
place, on Sunday morning, the 3d ins. after exchang- 
ing a few shot, the barges sheared off, which is the last 
I have heard of them. I presume that the towns on 
tlie sea board of this divisiim. have generally, through 
their select men, requested a supply of munitions of 
war in addition to their usual quantity; which request 
I should consider was reasonable at this time, as from 



42 

tlie frequent attacks of the enemy in their harges and 
Jaunches, a very lare^e quantity is expended* Will it 
not be well to have some officer or officers instructed by 
the commander in chief to order the munitions of war 
furnished Such towns as have not expended them, or a 
part of them, to such as have exhausted their stock or 
nearly so ? This has become already necegsary in rc- 
hition to Booth bay. 

I am. Sir, respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

WM. KINQ. 
To the Hon. John Brooks, Jdj, Gen, Bostop,, 



No. 17. 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 



GENERAL ORDERS. 

Head Quarter s, Boston^ Sej). 6, 1314. 

The war between the United States and Great Bi'i- 
(ain, havinu: lately become more destructive, in conse- 
qiience of violations of our territory by the forces of the 
enemy, which continue to menance our cities and villa- 
ges, tiie shipping in our harbors and private property 
on shore ; his excellency the commander in chief or- 
ders, the wliole of the militia to hold themselves in 
readiness to march at a moments warning ^ with arujs, 
ammunition, and accoutrements, as the laws of the 
United States, and of this state, require. Every man 
must be likewise provided with a good l^napsack and 
blanket. Captains of companies must realize it to h» 
one of their most solemn and imperious duties, to see 
the law respecting arms and equipments efficaciously 
executed. But the commander in chief relies on the 
concurring aid of aU the general and field officers, in 



43 - 

encouraging the company officers in the discharge of 
tlieir duty. The major generals and commanding ofti- 
cers of divisions, will give the necessary orders for an 
immediate iasptction of their several regiments by com- 
panies. Every instance of deficiency of arms or equip- 
ments should be forthwith supplied by the delinquent 
individual, or by the town to which he may belaug, 
agreeably to the requirements of the mili^^ia law* 

The officers commanding regiments, battalions and 
companies of artillery will pay special attention at this 
interestmg moment to the state of their field pieces, 
their carriages, and trumbrils ; and sec that every thing 
appertaining to them is in the most perfect order for 
marching and for action ; and particularly that suita- 
ble horses are always engaged and ready at any mo- 
ment to be attached to their pieces, that they may be 
moved to any point required, with celerity. All the 
companies of artillery now to be called into immediate 
service, besides the requisite supplies of fixed and other 
ammunition, will be furnished by the quarter-master- 
general with prolonges and bricoles. The legislature of 
this state, always proud of its militia, has been particu- 
larly liberal in its artillery establishment. And the 
commander in chief promises himself, that, emulating 
the brilliant example of Knox and his heroic associates 
in the artillery of the revolution, they will be equally 
distinguished for their discipline as soldiers, and for 
their gallantry in the field. 

Under possible events the cavalry of the several di- 
visions, may be in requisition. Every motive, there- 
|, forefore, of love of country, of honor and sympathy for 
their fellow citizens who may be suffering the perils of 
war, will prompt them to maintain the most perfect 
state of preparation and to move, when called to tiie 
• scene of action, with all the rapidity of which cavalry 
is susceptible. The general officers, and the field offi- 
cers of cavalry, as well as the company officers, will 
direct their attention to the quality of the horses, and 
suffii'r no man to be mounted but upon ahorse sound and 
fit for actual service. A few bad horses may occasion 
irretrievable disaster. 



44 



TIjc caiuir.ander in cinef having thus called the atten- 
tion of iili olijccj's and soldiers of the militia to the ob- 
servance- of tiiPir several duties to tliis eventful crisis* the 
more cfTv^ctiinllj to meetimpendinjs; danger: Orders, that 
alt the flank rompiinies, vvliether of light infantry, grena- 
diers or riOemen, of the 1st and 2d brigades of the 1st 
division ; two com])anies, viz. the one at Andover, and 
the otiirr at Haverhill, of the 2x\ division; all the com- 
panies of the .Sd division, excepting the two companies 
in C'>nrKston; four companies of the 4th division; five 
companies of tljc 5th division; eight companies of the 7th 
division ; and two companies of the 9th division, do im- 
nicdJatcly march to the town of Boston, unless (in the 
mean time) otherwise directed. Each company will 
inarch to its place of destination by itself without wait- 
ing for any other corps. 

rhose companies when assembled, will be arranged 
into regiments or otherwise, as circumstances may dic- 
tate, and with the addition of twelve companies of ar- 
tillery, will form the elite, or advr ^ce corps of the Mas- 
sacJiusetts militia. The field officers to command the 
irginients, and a general officer to command the whole, 
will hereafter be designated in general orders. The 
seves'id companies of artillery to be annexed to the ad- 
vance corps, will be famished by the follovving divisions, 
viz : Two companies from the 1st brigade, and one 
coaii'aay from th^ 2r] brigade of the 3d division; four 
companies from the 4th division ; one company from 
the 5th division ; and four companies from the 7th 
division. 

Be«in!\s the abovementioned companies, the comman- 
der in chief orders a detachment of sixteen companies of 
infantry to be iaimediateiy made from the *th division, 
|)roi>?r]y officered and arranged into two regiments, 
whicli will march to Boston without the least unnecessa- 
ry delay. Major general Mattoon is charged with the 
arrangement of the regiments. 

From the 9ti: divisjion the commander in chief orders 
eight companies of infantry to be det?.ched properly offi- 
cered. IVvrmed into a regiment, and marched to Boston. 
Major-General Mattoox and Whitox will assign 



45 

lield officers for the troops to be detached from their 
respective divisions ; and the commander in chief re- 
lies on their experience and zeal to carry their order 
into the most prompt and energetic effect. As soon as 
the troops shall commence their march, each major- 
general will give notice of it to the adjutant general. 

All the troops must be well armed, accoutred and 
equipped, and provided with ammunition, provisions, 
knapsacks and blankets as tlie law require^s. The men 
will be supplied with rations when they arrive at the 
place of destination, and will receive pay from the time 
of their being embodied. 

The security of the town and harbor of Boston being 
an object of primary importance, the commander in 
chief, while he wishes to direct the principal energies of 
the state to the attainment of this end, is solicitous to' 
render the militia of Boston itself as efficient as possible. 
With this view he orders, the infantry of the 3d brigade 
of the 1st division, commanded by brig, gen, Welles, 
to be called out by r'^giments in rotation, two days suc- 
cessively, for the purpose of improving their discip- 
line already respectable, and of enabling them to practice 
the higher duties of the field. This order is committed to 
brig. gen. Welles, whose knowledge in tactics, and ani- 
mated zeal in the service of his country, must ensure to his 
exertions the highest effect. The order will be continued 
in operation until revoked. The flank companies ol 
this brigade will be reserved for other service. p 

The troops called into actual service by this ordere 
will serve three months after they arrive at their ultio 
mate rendezvous, unless sooner discharged. 2I 

/ By his excellency's commandf 

(Signed) J. BROOKS. Mj, Gen, 



c 



r< 



» c 

No. 18. 1 

General King, to General Brooks, ' 

Bathy September 5, 1814 
SIR, I 

I obtained the information of the enemies landinL^ 
at Castine and Belfast, on my way to this place, I fin< 



46 

the people here expect something done for their further 
defen(;e; £ shall order out from general Cobb^s brigade, 
three companies to do dut^ on tbe Kennebeck until the 
pleasure of the commander in chief is known, or until 
I obtain more correct information in relation to the views 
of the enemy. I shall leave for Wiscassett this day, and 
as f am at present advised, shall oiHler to that place three 
companies also, and one company out of Damariscotta. 
I shall proceed on immediately to Gamdert arid there 
make such arrangement for the defence of what may be 
now considered a part of our eastern frontier as oil en- 
quiry may be necessary. As general Blake will be much 
engaged on the Penobscot river. I shall have such a 
force near Belfast as will be able to drive the enemy from 
that place in a few days; and hope to have some advice 
on this, as well as the other movements by return of 
ma41> I shall write you again from' Camden. 

And in the mean time remain respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

(Signed) WM. KING. 

To the Hon* J, BrookSf 

A true copy of the original on file 

Attest, JOS. H. PEIRCET, 



No. 19 
General Dearhoniy to Gov, Stroiig, 

Head Quarters, MiU Bistrict, JVo. I, 
] Boston, Sep, 4, 1814. 

A Having received information of the enemy's ba- 

ring taken possession of Castine with a formidable force, 
t is not improbable that his views- may extend to our 
rincipal towns on the sea-coast from Penobscot to this 
flace. I therefore deem it my duty to request your ex- 
ret lency to order out, for the service of the United States, 
l\o thousand infantry and 200 artillery, exclusive 0f 



47 

t-iiC town of Boston, for tlie defence of this harboiv town, 
and vicinity; and 200 infantry, and fifty artillery from 
Kittery, Berwick, and York, to aid in the defence of the 
harbor and the pnhlic ships in the harbor of Portsmouth; 
and also 1000 infantry, and 100 artillery for the defence 
of Portland and its immediate vicinity; and likewise IGOO 
infantry, with 100 artillery for the defence of the sea- 
board, between Kennebec and Penobscot rivers. The 
number of officers, non-commissioned officers, &c. I 
will particttilarly detail to gen. Brooks, the adjutant 
general, and also the place and places of rendezvous. 

1 am Sir, with the highest respect. 

Your obedient servant, 

H. DEARBORN, 

The foregoing have been compared with the 

originals, and found correctly copied. 

H. BRADFORD, Sec, of Com. 

Secretary's office^ Oct 13, 1814. 



No. 20. 
Gov. Strong, to Col. TF, II. Sumner. 

Boston, September 10, 1814^ 

SIR, 

As the commissioners for military defence have ap 
pointed you their agent to repair to the District of Maine 
and to assist in providing every practicable means o 
defence, for that part of the vState, I will suggest suci 
circumstances, in relation to that subject, as have oc 
cured to me. 

The major generals, or commanders of divisions, ar 
authorised, in case of invasion, or eminent danger t 
it, to call out such part of the militia, as they may thin 
necessary, for the protection of such exposed towns. I 
forming a judgment, in cases of this kind, we hav 
ground to expect, that no man will be more impartial, a 
on the one hand, they will be solicitous to afford reasor 
able protection to the inhabitants on thp coast ; and o 



48 

tFi« other, will be unwilling to call the militia from their 
homes, except in cases of necessity. Hitherto, experi- 
ence has seemed to confirm that expectation, for so far 
as I have been informed, those officers have conducted 
with .i^reat prudence and discretion. As we can only 
conjecture what are the view^ of the enemy, and the 
state of things are continually changing, it is imp.jssibic 
to ascertain before hand, and at a distance, w hat mea- 
sures may be necessary; they must^ therefore, for the 
most part, be referrp'^ to the commanding officers of the 
militia, who are in the neighbourhood, and in whose 
jmlgment, I repose full confidence. You will confer 
with them, and such otiier officers, as you may judge 
proper, on the subject of defending the coast, and will 
give your aid for tlie march of detachments, or whole 
corps, for the defence of any post or place that may be 
deemiid to require support. 

Portland will deserve your first attention, unless you 
find, on your way thither, that Portsmouth is immedi- 
ately menaced, in wliich case, you will confer with gen- 
eral Ichabod Goodwin, and make the requisite arrange- 
ments with him, to meet the emergency before you pro- 
:ee(3 further. The several major generals will commu- 
licate to you, their orders under which they now act ; 
vhich, with the instructions you will receive from the 
commissioners, and your knowledge of my ideas on the 
ubject of defence, generally, will assist you in guiding 
'our judgment. 

I observe that the people of Portland have proposed, 
hat the militia to be called out, sliall be put under the 
ommand of general Chandler. If the militia are satis- 
ied with that arrangement, I shall make no objection to 
t The United States, I presume, have made contracts 
ir the supply of the troops, called into service, in the 
istrict of Maine; and it is desirable, tiiat the militia 
^ho may be now on duty, should be supplied in that way. 

I wish you to inform me, or the commissioners, of 
whatever may appear to you of importance. 
I am, with sincere regard, 

your obedient servant* 

CALEB STRONG. 

Col. Wm. H, Sumner. 



4.f> 

No. 21, 

Eastern sjih wilitary liislridf 

Head qvarters, ForilamU Sep. 18, ISli. 

SIR, 

I have received yonr note of this days ihW — I 
wrote yesterday to g-en. King, niativo to a nifilurv 
force for the defence of Georojetown arrd tlie prists cast 
of that place; yon will be able to learn from him, my 
views on this subject. 

Very respectfully, your 

obedient servant 

JOHN CHANDLKK. 

Col, TFm, H. Sumner, 

i9, D. C, to governor Strong, 



No. 22. 

Gen, Clmmller, to Gen, King, 

Eastern sub military district, 

Head quarters, Portland, Sep, IS, ISli?. 

SIR, 

Do yon consider it absolutely necessary, to keep 
constantly in service, at Georgetown, Wiscasset, or any 
of the posts, east of those places, a larger force than is 
suflicientto garrison the forts? If you do, I v/ill thank you 
to inform me what number you should deem necessary, 
and I will write immediately to gen. Dearborn or) the 
subject In the mean time, should col. Sumner, aid to 
governor Strong, arrive at Bath, and conclude to place 
. under my command, (as he appears to be authorized to) 
in the service of the United States, a body of militia, 
(which, I think, from some interrogations he applied to 
me, the other day, be probably will do,) not exceeding 
two battalions, 1 will consider them in tbe service of the 



50 

United States, until the decision of the comnianding 
general of military district No. 1, siall he k^mwn on 
tht suhjoct; and 1 have no douht, but that they will be 
continntd in service, until the season is so far advanced, 
as to render tlieir services unnecessftry. I will thank 
you to give me your opinion on these subjects, with as 
much promptness, as you can conveniently, whether col. 
Sumner visits you or not. 

Should a larger number of militia be received into the 
service of the United States, than is necessary to garri- 
son the forts, you readily perceive the propriety of their 
h<vving as little connection as possible, with tl>e forts; at 
the same time to have them quartered, in such a manner, 
as to render the greatest possible aid t > the forts. The 
troops that have been sometime in the forts, are better 
prepared to defend them, than new troops ; it will not 
therefore, be expected, that nmy change will he made, 
relative to the command of the garrison, without my 
order. 

The troops received into tlie United States service, 
must he mustered and inspected. 

Very respe( tfully 

your obedient servant, 

JOHN CHANDLER. 

rMa ior gc ncral King, 



No. 23. 
WiscasseU September idtJh 1814?^ 

SIR, 

Having received a letter from General King re* 
questing it, I left Portland yesterday for Bath. The 
arrangements for the defence of Portland, which were 
suggested to vou in my last were completed. In order 
to keep ti suflicient reserve, I was obliged to consent 
that a part of the detachment of eleven hundred men 
to be placed under the United States authority, should 



51 

betaken from general M< Vlillan's brij^adc. Consider' 
ing the strong force of general GoaUwin's division, aniJ 
the great probability that M*MiIlan's brigade, never 
will be called for by him ; and if tltcy were, are at so 
great a distance that they would not arrive in time to 
be useful, and as they were tlie principal part of them 
here, having marched some of them one liundred and 
sixty miles from Sandy-river ; I hope this part of the 
arrangements will meet your approbation. 

The detachment will be made seven hundred and fiftj^ 
from generals Turner and McMillan's brigades, and 
three hundred and fifty from general Richardson's di- 
vision, principally taken from colonel Foxcraft's regi- 
ment ; and the detachment w ill be arranged upon the 
principle of your orders of July iSth, 181i, and will 
be under the command of colonel Foxcraft, who will 
have untler him a proper proportion of olHccrs, in addi- 
tion to the eleven hundred rank and file. There will, 
therefore, be four humlred men, of the United States* 
troops, of a former detachment of the militia ; eleven 
hundred to be detached for forty days (unless sooner 
discharged by the president of the United States) the 
whole under the command of general Chandler; toge- 
ther with five hundred men of the militia and volunteer 
corps well disciplined for militia, under the command of 
colonel Nichols in the town of Portland, formiag a body 
of two thousand men, on the spot for its defence. Ge- 
neral Richardson's reserve of two thousend men, con-- 
sisting of the militia within twenty miles distance can 
be all there in twenty-four, and half of them in six 
hours. To preserve the discipline and numbers of the- 
Portland rigiment, they are to be drilled once a weekjr 
and general Richardson will also retain the whole or a 
part of a company of cavalry to act as videts, and will 
remain at Portland himself to call in the reserve in cass 
of necesssity. 

Major Weeks is to have a distinct command in fort 
Burroughs, which I have agreed general Chandler should 
take possession of, till the majors time of service expires, 
(unless it is requested by government in the mean time,> 
for that purpose., and to him, vull also be rommitted the 



52 

rlrarge of the state stores, in that fort which for a long 
time, belorc he was detached, had be«'n committed to Ms 
care. With tliis arrans^ement, ( I have great pleasure 
in givin,!^ you the information) there appears to be the 
t^Tcatcst satisfaction, both among the defenders and the 
ik iVnded, the economists and the alarmists. 

The town with this force, ought to be safe. It is bow- 
evei' far from being the case. It has at tlie entrance 
into the harbour two United States embargo forts or 
batteries. 

Fort Preble of fourtecen eighteen pounders, and some 
sm::Jler ones is on a point of land from Cape Elizabeth. 
Fort Scammel is opposite it on a small island across the 
chaimel three quarters of a mile, open and unprotected 
in its rear ; though some defences are now throwing 
up. But outside of those forts, is Bang's Island with 
a fine piotected place for landing men ; and two eighteen 
pounders on that island could drive every man out of 
fort Scammel ; and fort Scammel commands fort Preble. 
After the fall of these forts, the enemies ships might 
anclior in the harbour, subject to the annoyance of fort 
Burroughs, new fort, and some other small batteries- 
The ships and vessels are all hauled up above the bridge ; 
and are prepared to be sunk and all valtjable property 
is removed from the town and the houses stript of their 
furniture ; if the enemy should succeed in capturing the 
forts, they might cnter'the town, burn, sink and destroy 
the property but would get no prizes. Against a sudden 
attack the committee have taken great pains to guard. 
They have telegraphic communications, fifty miles 
west, and east to Peniaquid point in the town of Bristol, 
wliich gives signals of the approach of a privateer, or a 
fleet by day, and tar barrels or beacons to give the 
alarm by night ; and these are so situated also, as to be 
seen by the surrounding country, which is to forward 
its militia without further notice. The cartridges 
brought by the militia, from the country were bad, hav- 
ing been either too long made up, or, if new, were made 
from their towns stock of powder, which in the country is 
'laid in at the cheapest rate. These have all been broken 
rrp, and new ones fitted to the bores of their muskets of 



53 

proof powder furnished them. I found the committee 
liad judiciously provided quarters and rations for the 
troops, and they will continue to supply them till the de- 
tachment is made. After which, general Richardson has 
agreed to finish a contract for supplying the Videts, and 
3uch others as may be called in, with a responsible person ; 
wlio had made reasonble proposals. His politeness in 
this particular enabled me forthwith to comply with 
general King's request, and I arrived at Bath on sunday 
evening. 

The selectmen of Freeport inet me, by assignment, on 
my way through the town, and I gave them an order to 
buy 100 pounds of cannon powder in Portland, (they 
not having had the last year's supply for their artillery,) 
ten sticks of port fire, and 300 weight of grape, they 
having alreskdy a supply of round shot, both of which 
are made arid sold at the Brunswick manufactory. 

General King agreed to meet me this forenoon at gen* 
Scwall's quarters in this place. From them I learn that 
ft'Oni gen. King's division, there is one regiment sta- 
tioned at Georgetown, engaged in building a fort, two 
at Bath, and three at Wiscasset. This disposition was 
made by general King, without a knowledge of general 
Sevvall's intent. 

While general King was at Bath, the committee of 
safety of Wiscasset, wrote a pressing letter to general 
Sewall, requesting a thousand men. Upon consultation 
with his friends, he immediately marched his nearest reg- 
iments ; some of the companies in which, were notified 
in tlie afternoon, and the next morning at 8 o'clock were 
in Wiscasset, having in the mean time, equipped them- 
selves and marched a distance of 21 miles. This is the 
most remarkable instance of expedition I have known ; 
but the whole country, is animated with the same spirit, 
and march with the most zealous alacrity. The river 
companies, having marched away, the inhabitants tlien 
became alarmed, and general Sewall not knowing the 
extent of the danger at Wiscasset, ordered out all the 
rest of the division except one regiment, and they are 
now encamped on the banks of the Kennebec, awaiting 
orders. The troops of both these divisions are supplied 
by the selectmen of tlieJ!- respective towns. We have 



dismissed one of general King^s regiment this evening ; 
and all agree that further reductions are necessary, 
which will be carried into effect immediately, and of 
which I shall advise you. I have some hopes also of 
getting general Chandler to supply a detachment both 
for this place and Bath, if they are placed in the Lnited 
States service, to which there appears to be no objec- 
tion* 

The militia in this country is better armed and drilled 
than I supposed. This afternoon a fine battalion of ar- 
tillery, two or three corps of light infantry from Hallo- 
well and Augusta, and (me company of riflemen from 
Gardner, as well dirssed and equipped, and which 
march as well, as the Boston flank companies, have 
passed by my windows. I have witnessed their manoeu- 
vres with the greatest surprise and pleasure. The 
quantity of powder and cartridges here is very insuffi- 
cient, and tlie cartridges on hand very bad. They must 
all be broken up, and new ones furnislted. Arms are 
continually applied for, and it would be well for the 
quarter-master to send forward a large quantity of 
cartridges, powder, port fire, tubes, &c. to some place 
in this district, to my order, and muskets if they are to 
be liad. 

Since the enemies fleet sailed from Owl's head, at 
which time general king says they had 2000 troops on 
board, they liave not been heard of. Sixteen hundred 
rations are daily delivered out at Castine, and great 
supplies of cattle are furnished them froni the Kennebec. 
General Sewall stopped one drove. — General King says 
five hundred men will prevent it, and also prevent their 
excursions up the river. I shall hope for instructions 
on this head, if my concerns are important enough to 
receive your attention. Letters directed to me at any of 
the post oflices where I have been, will reach me ; and I 
shall wait here for orders before I proceed to the Pen- 
obscot, liaving enough to engage my attention for 
some days. 

I send you some papers furnished me from Brewer, 
and a representation signed by two gentlemen, who 
have wait'd on me, which I request may be given to 
liis excellency the governor. My apology for not hav- 



55 

iug addressed them to him is that my commtmications 
would be merely a repetition of those to >ou, v.hii is nre 
I fear so much in detail that you do not answer, be- 
cause you can hardly find time to read them, 
I have the honor to be. Sir, 

your most obedient and 

very humble servant, 

W. H. SUMNER. 

Hon, J, Brooks, Esq. 



No. 24. 
Gen. King, to Gen. Chandler. 

Wiscasset, September 19, ISli. 
SIR, 

Your letter under date the 18tb instant, is now 
before me, you ask, if I consider it necessary to keep in 
service at Georgetown, Wiscasset &c. a larger force tlian 
is sufficient to garrison the forts. I answer that we 
have not a fort in this section of the country. That 
our batteries are calculated for defence against vessels 
only, and tbat in most of the cases they would be 
taken by about an equal number of land forces, land- 
ing in their rear. The batteries themselves are to 
be defended only by land troops, and this will re- 
quire I fear more than we shall be able to obtain — ^, 
I have had a consultation with general Bewail and 
colonel Sumner on this subject, and as far as I have 
been able to ascertain their opinions one thousand men 
is considered necessar}/ at this place, and eight hundred 
at Bath and Greorgetown, exclusive of a few A?ig'ista 
troops and a former detailment. The men will be most- 
ly taken from general Sewall's division and they will 
be I am confident ordered out, and paid by the State, 
if the United States declines doing it, which I hope, will 
not he the caae. The economy of the general e^ovf^rn- 
meot has already cost us nearly half of the distnrt and 
if it is coniinued without state interference, sir John 
Sherbrookft will have the whole before winter sets in. 



56 

I am ificlined to think the nuimber named by general 
Sewall and colonel Sumner, is short of what is neces- 
sary ; but we would begin with them. 

There will not be the least difficulty in relation to the 
officers, now commanding the batteries continuin.e: to 
command as they certainly should do. The troops to 
be ordered out, will I trust occupy positions much stron 
ger and better capable for defence and will I trust, be 
able to defend the batteries. 

(Signed) WILLIAM KING. 



No. 25. 

Mxtract of a Letter from Colonel Sumner, to General 
Brook's, Adjutant General, Sep, 22, 1814. 

The day I left Portland I requested by note to gene- 
ral Chandler, information from him, whether he con- 
sidered any port east of that as requiring defence and 
whether if troops were ordered out for the defence of 
them he would pay and supply them at the United States 
expense. This in a conversation before he said he 
thought would be done, if ai^ officer of rank which he 
should send with me if possible, or general King, who 
otherwise he would write to on the subject, should think 
any troops necessary for the defence of the eastern part 
of the district. On my arrival at Bath general King 
informed me that he had received no communication fiom 
general Chandler ; though general Dearborn had writ- 
ten him that he had requested 1000 infantry and 100 
artillery for the defence of the country east of Portland. 
As general Chandler had no information on this point, 
he sent him a copy of general Dearborn's letter ; the 
same day he received from general Chandler a letter 
stating that if he thought it necessary to call for any 
troops for the defence of the country easj^of Portland, 
he would receive them, not exceeding two battalion^^ 
till general Dearborn's advice or orders respecting 
them should be received. 



57 

The objections to receiving such a detachment were, 
the insufficiency of it, the inability of the Inited fetates 
commissary here to furnish suitabl<^ rations, and tiic 
conditions annexed to it ; and lastly, if the United States 
organization was adoptt d, which we supptjsed wudd be 
expected, we should not have officers enougii for the ex- 
tensive frontier on which they might be stationed. 

We proceeded in making a detachment of two regi- 
ments of infantry under two lieutenant colonels, and 
one company of artiUery from general Sewall's division, 
for the posts at Bath and Wise asset, and four compa- 
nies of infantry from General King, for other places as 
above. 

While thus engaged general King received a letter 
from general Chandler, informing hmi, that he was or- 
dered to take command at Portsmouth, and inclosing to 
him a copy of a letter, which (in tlie letter to general 
King) general Chandler said had been sent to me, but 
which has not come to hand requesting IIOO men to be ^ 
placed in the United States service, for the defence of the 
country between the |Cennebeck and the Penobscot. 
^ The satisfaction which was generally expressed by 
■the officers and men, at being placed under general 
» Chandler's command, and the desire that they might be 
' so commanded if the committee of safety in that town, i 
as communicated to the governor before I left you, and 
afterwards expressed by them to me, were the principal 
reasons which induced me according to my instructions 
to order the troops detached for that post mto the ser- 
vice of the United States. Scarcely had the detach- 
ment been made, (and I do not know that general 
Richardson had yet completed it) before general 
Chandler is ordered from that post to another, tljru 
commanded by colonel Walbach, an officer more inteiji- 
;^ent than any one I know in the United States service, 
and where general Chandler will be entirely useless. 
What reason could there have been for such a c'mnge ? 
I wrote yesterday to major Cony requesting a tan of 
powder for this place and Bath. That will be quite an 
insufficient quantity if these places are attacked. The 
artillery is badly supplied; captain Perry who has abaut 



58 

lour tons, belonging to the United States says he cannot 
sell or lend it; but if there should be an attack Trea- 
ting a necessity f<r' it before we get a supply, hp will 
not witlinold it. General King wishes 100,000 car- 
tridges sent down for these two stations, with a ball and 
three buck shot in each cartridge, to be givfn «)ut as oc- 
casion requires. He thinks our woodsmen under the 
thick cover of the forests and stone walls will deal out 
the buck shot in a destructive manner, I shall pur- 
chase a supply of grape at Brunswick. 



No. 26. 

Gov. Strong to Major General Dearborn. 

Mrthampton, July l^th, 1814. 
SIR, H 

This morning I received your letter of the 8th ^ 
instant. As you propose to communicate to gen^-ral 
Brooks your views concerning tht particular destina- 4^ 
tion of the militia to be called out for the defence of the I 
towns on the sea coast of this state, I have written to f 
him on the subject. Yoiir suggestion that the men 
should be detached as far as may be, from the vicinity 
of the respective posts, f think is perfectly proper ; and 
I hsive no doubt you will be able to make such arrange- 
ments with general Brooks as will be satisfactory. | 

With due respect I am, sir, -^ 

Your obedient and humble servant, 

CALEB STONG. 



Major General Dearhron. 



I 



■A 

I 



59 



No. 27. 
Gen. Dearborn to Major General Brooksi 
Military District, M, I. 
Bead Quarters, Boston, August l^th, 1814. 

SIR, 

The citizens, of the towns of Duxbury and Co- 
hasset, are very desirous, of having some small force 
stationed, for the defence of their respective villages and 
vessels, and it is probable, that similar applications will 
be made from other places, on the sea coast. If prac- 
ticable, it would be very desirable, to have such small 
detachments, as may be required, in such cases, turned 
out from the immediate vicinity of the several places 
respectively, without the formality of troubling his ex- 
cellency the governor, on every such occasion ; will you 
be so obliging, as to inform me, whether, an authority 
is, or probably may be vested, in yourself, or in any 
committee, of which you are a member ; for giving the 
necessary orders, for turning out such small detach- 
ments, as I have alluded to, — say of twenry-fiv^e 
or fifty men, for such places, as it may be deemed ne- 
cessary, or expedient to afford such protection to. It is 
not easy to decide at present, or probably at any one 
time the precise number of places that it may be expe- 
dient, to post such detachments at or the number of men, 
for each. The movements of the •nemy, and his mea- 
sures, from time to time, must, in a considerable degree* 
determine what shall be proper or necessary, to be done 
on our part ; hence the convenience, of having small 
detachments, from the militia made on the most prompt 
and convenient manner. 

If neither yourself, nor any committee of which you 
are a member, now possess such authority, as I have 
mentioned, would not his excellency the g()vrriu»r, pio- 
liably, think it advisable, to grant the necessary autho!-* 



60 



ity ; any communications you may please to make> in 
reply to my observations, will confer a favor on 

Your very humble servant, 

H. DEARBORN. 

Major generalJohn Brooks, 

Mjutant general of the State of Massacfmsetts-^ 



No. 28. 
Gen. H. Dearborn to Major General Brooks, 

Boston, September 6th 1814. 

Sin, 

Will you permit me to suggest to you tlie pro- 
priety of your proposing to his excellency the expedi- 
ency of having orders issued for placing the whole of 
the militia within twenty or thirty miles of the seashore 
on the alert and in perfect readiness for marching on 
Oie shortest notice, arid having suitable signals establish- 
ed for giving notice, turning out and being ready to 
march. We ought not under present circumstances to 
neglect any practicable measures for adding to our 
means of defence. 

I am sir, your obedient humble servant, 

H. DEARBORN. 

Major General Brooks. 

A true copy from the original on file, 
Attest, 

JOSEPH H. PEiftCE. 



} 



\ 



61 



No. 29. 

General Dearborn to Captain Hull. 

Extract of a letter from General Dearborn, to Capt HulU 
Commander of the United States JS^avij Yard, at Ports- 
mouth, J\*ew Hampshire, dated at Military District 
JVb. I. 

Head quarters, Boston, September ±Oth, 181*. 

I understand, that the major generals of the militia, 
have received orders from the governor to turn out any 
number of their respective divisions, that they may deem 
necessary. 

I Would, therefore, suggest to you the expediency of 
calling on major general Goodwin of Berwick, for such 
a number of his division, as you may deem necessary, 
by Slating to liim t!ie imminent danger, that the public 
and private property in that vicinity (is in) if the enemy ^ 
should effect a landing at York or Kittery, and request- 
ing him to afford the aid you may propose, to be posted 
on, or near the sea shore, near the most probable places 
for troops to land, and to throw upon the most suitable, 
scites, some, temporary breast works. 

It is at present, very inconvenient for me to leave this 
place. > 

I am, Sir, ^ 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 'I 

(Signed) H. DEARBORN. ^t 

Capt» Isaac Hull. 



k- 



No. 30. 
Gen, Brooks to Gov. Strong* 

* 

Boston, October ist, 1814. 
SIR, 

In the month of May last, I held a conversation ^t 

7 



6^ 

with brigadier general Gushing, at that time the superin- 
tendent of military district No. 1 : on the subject of a de» 
tachment of militia being called out by youe excellency, 
and placed under his command, for the defence of the 
sea coast, and particularly of this town, and the forrs in 
the liarbour. In this cor»versation, he stated to me the 
incompetency of Uie United States troops, for manning 
ev^n one of those fortresses; and expressed great solici- 
tude, to have such a number of men furnished him bytlie 
fitate, as to secure the forts under his care from surprise. 
The general at the same interview observed, that he was 
fully sensible of the feelings of the militia officers in be- 
ing placed under the command of the United States offi-- 
cersr But to obviate that difficulty as far as was in his pow- 
er, he added that, in case of an attack or alarm he should 
immediately repair to oiie of the foi'ts himself, and that 
the other fort, should be committed to the defence of the 
militia, which should be subject to the command of no 
officer of the United States army, but himself. 

In another conversation with general Gushing some 
little time afterwards, the same ideas were expressed. 

With entire respect, 

I have the honor to be. Sir, 

your excellency's most 

> obedient servant. 

(Signed) J. BROOK'S. 

\ltis Excellency Caleb Strong, 



No. 51. 

Extract of a letter from Col. Sumner, to the Adjutant Gen- 
^ eralf dated at Portland, Sep. 25, 1814. 

SIR, 

In my letter of the i9th inst. informing you of 
the arrangements made for the defence of Portland, I 
observed, that they were such, as gave tlie greatest sa- 
tisfaction. This was so generaJ, that I was not acquaint- 



63 

cd with a single person, who had any objection to it, I 
did no^ hesitate, therefore, to leave with general Rich- 
ardson a direction, when his detachment was completed, 
to place it in the servic of the United States. And that 
quarters and rations should be prepared by them, to be 
delivered to the troops ; I wrote to brigadier general 
Chandler, informing him, that major general Ricl^p.rd- 
son is now making a detachment from tlie militia often 
hundred infantry, and one hundred artillerv, <^xrl sive 
of officers, which when completed, will be placed by him 
in the service of the United States, for the defence of 
Portland, according to the request made therefor • by of- 
ficers, acting by virtue of the authority of the president 
of the United States, for forty days, unless, befcre such 
detachment is completed, different instructions shrill be 
received by him, from his excellency, the commander in 
chief. 

I went yesterday to Hallow^ll and Agusta, with gen- 
eral Sewall. At 12 o'clock last night, at Gardiner, I 
received by express from major general Richardson, a 
letter of which the following is a copy. 

Portland, Sep, 24, 181*. 
SIR, 

Serious and alarming difficulties have ariseji, 
since you left this place, in consequence of the order, to 
place the officers and men under general Cljandier. 
Many of the most respectable offirers declare, they will 
lose their commissionn, before they will submit to wljat 
tliey call a conscription. Tlie same feelings are preva- 
lent among the men. One company marched off on 
Wednesday ; some were persuadi^d to return, and some 
brought hack by force; but two escaped. Another dif- 
ficulty, in executing the arrangements, has arisen ; hri- 
gadier general Chandler has been ordered to command 
at Portsmouth, and left this place yesterday. Lieut, col. 
Starlis is now in command. 

Under these circumstances, I have directed the de- 
tachment to report to me, and shall not deliver it over 
to United States officers, until further instructed. Your 



64 

presence, appears to me, indispensably necessary ; when 
I see you, I will enter into detail. 

I am very respectfully, 

sir, your obedient servant, 

ALFORD RICHARDSON, Maj. Gen. 

CoL W. H. Sumner, 

After requesting general King by letter, to excuse 
me, for not meeting him according to agreement at Bath, 
I left Gardner, and upon my arrival here, this afternoon, 
found such a spirit of disaffection in the Oxford detach- 
ment from general Hubbard's division, arising from an 
expected order, for placing them in the United States 
service, tliat if the order was issued, it would probably 
render it necessary for us, to call in a part of genera! 
Richardson's division, to compel its execution. Having 
received advice yesterday, that seven transports, with 
1000 troops on board, from Castine joined the squadron 
off Owls Head, on Thursday evening, (and w liich w ere 
also seen there on Friday morning) I had serious ap- 
prehensions, that the fleet, now composed of fifteen sail 
of transports, with from 2700 to 3000 troops on board, 
might strike a destructive blow, upon tliis place, before 
order could be restored. Independently of other consi- 
derations, and agreeably to the wish of the committee of 
safety, which I immediately convened and consulted ; I 
requested general Richardson to continue the troops un- 
[ler his own orders, and to take the command of them 
'limself. It became absolutely necessary for general 
Richardson, to command, as lieut. col. Ryerson, who 
wsLS detailed for the command of the detachment, 
[and not colonel Foxcroft, who it was supposed would J 
lave been) is qualified for fatigue duty only. 

You perceive, that my letter informing general Chand- 
er of our intent, to make a detachment, also notifies 
lim, of general Richardson's order, to place it under 
lis command, v hen made, unless, before such detach- 
nent is made, different instructions should be received 
»y him, from his excellency the commander in chief. 

If the present course is approved of by his excellency 
he governor, I will thank you by the next mail, to for- 



i 



65 

ward to .(general Richardson, his instructioiiR ; tlmt the 
United States officers on this station may iiavc as early 
notice as possible. 



SIR, 



No. 32. 

Gen. Dearhorn. to Gen, Brooks. 

Head (Inarters^ Boston^ 

Sejytember 2S, 4814. 



Your communication of this day lias heen d^dy 
received. In reply to your proposition, it v.iil be ne- 
cessary for me to observe, that the authority I poss-^ss 
for rcquestini^ and receiving detachments of militia for 
the service of the United States, directs their oig-aniza- 
tion, the principles of which are detailed, in my com- 
munication to you, on the 5th instant. 

I will readily receive in the service of the United 
States, the ISOO men you mentioned, provided, it is un- 
derstood, that they are to be organized agreeable to the 
principles I have alluded to ; and there will he no ob- 
jection on my part, to their being considered, after be- 
ing duly organized and mustered, in tlie service of the 
United States, from the day the detachment of 1800 was 
formed, excluding however, any supernumerary otRcers. 
Will you please to inform me whether I may expect a 
detachment for Portland, where their services are very 
necessary at this moment. 

I am sir, very respectfully, 
your obedient servant, 
H. DEARBON. 

JIaj, Gen, Brooks, Jtlj, Gen. ") 
of the state of Massachusetts, J 



66 



No. 33. 

General Peters to General Brooks, 
Jdjuiant Generals Office, Military District JVo, /. 

Head Quarters, Boston, 5th October, 1814. 

SIR, 

I am directed by major general Dearborn, to 
say to you, in answer to }y>ur communication of yes- 
terday, that tlie 1050 militia, detached for the defence of 
the coast from Kennebeck, to Penobscot, will be re- 
ceived into the service of the United States* The ge- 
nrral reserving the right to organize them into two 
battalions., one for Bath and the other for Wiscasset, 
(each battalion to be under command of a lieutenant co- 
lonel) in lieu of two regiments as proposed by you. 

I have the honor to be very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

GEO. P. PETERS. 

•Assistant Jidjut, Gcju 
Hon. John Brooks Jidjut. Gen, 
of the State of Massachusetts* 



No. 34- 

Extract of a letter from Gen. Dearhon to Capt, Isaac Hull, 
dated, Military District JVb. /. 

Head Quarters, Boston, September 10, 1814. 

SIR, 

I understand that the major generals of the mi- 
litia, have received orders from the Governor to turn out 
any number of their respective divisions, that they may 



67 

deem necessary. I would tlierefore sugc^est to you the 
expediency of calling on major general Goodwin <»f Ber- 
wick, for such a number of his division, as > ou aiay 
deem necessary, by stating to him the imminent danger 
that the public and private property in that vicinity (is in) 
if the enemy sliould effect a landing at York or Kittesy, 
and requesting him to afford the aiil you may propose, 
to be posted on or near the sea shore, near tlie most pro- 
bable places for troops to land, and to throw up on the 
most suitable scites, some temporary breast works. 

It is at present very inconvenient for me to leave this 
place. 



No. 35. ^ 

Gen. Brooks, to Gen. Goodwin, 

Mjutant Generals OfficCf 

Boston, Sep. 22d, 1814. 

SIR, 

His excellency, the commander in chief orders, 
that you fortliwith detach from your division, and prin- 
cipally from the interior, two hundred infantry, and 
fifty artillerists properly officered, for the purpose of 
aiding in the defence of the harbor and public ships at 
Portsmouth. The enclosed order of council, of yester- 
day, will fully explain the ideas of the commander in 
chief, and of the council, upon that subject. As soon 
as the detachment shall be completed, you will order it 
to march to Portsmouth or perhaps more properly to 
fort M« Clary, and direct the commanding officer to re- 
port himself to col. Walback. The men should be well 
provided with arms and equipments, according to law — 
each ni*.n should carry with him a blanket. The de- 
tachment will be continued in service three months, 
unless sooner discharged. 
Respecting the calls, which have been made on you. 



6^ 

from Biddci^iid and Saco, Arrundel and York; (£ am 
ittstsurtf <i to observe, as the opinion of the commander 
in chief) that ujider the present aspect of danger, the 
three- companiis you have ordered to the two former 
places are suiiicient. In relation to the other exposed 
poiists of your district, the commander in chief expects, 
that you continue to exercise your discretion in order- 
ing out troops for their security. 

I am very respectfully, sir. 

Your most obedient servant, 

J. BROOKS, Mj. Gen, 
Muj. Gen. L Goodwin, 



No. 36. 
. Brigadier General Dearborn, to Colonel Perkins, 

Fort Indeimidence, Sep. 25, 1814. 
SIR, 

Your communication of the 23d has been receiv- 
ed, and attentively perused. On this and Governor's Is- 
land, tlieie are a suiiicient number of men, for manning 
ail tlie worlvs which are now erected or begun. 

The defenceless positions, on Governor's Island re- 
ferred to, liave been examined some time since, and 
works are planed for their defence, which I shall lay 
out on the morrow, and cause to be erected. 

I siiall be very glad to receive assistance from the 
citizens in labour; and should it be afforded, it is desira- 
ble, that each man should bring a spade, shovel, 
pickaxe, or wheel-barrow. If a party could be sent, 
of one, two, or three hundred men on Tuesday, they 
can be employed to advantage ; as it is highly impor- 
tant that the batteries and such works as to them should 
be finished, as soon as possible. On this Island, I have 
laid out, in advance of the south east Bastion, a battery 
for three nioitars, which will be finished in three days. 
I have likewise laid out a work for the corner of the 
south battery, on Governor's Island, which was coiumen- 



69 

ced yestciday morning. A corner to the west water 
battery was commenced some days since, and is in great 
forwardness. 

I have received two hundred pikes from the Labora- 
tory in Albany, which were sent to the two garrisons, by 
the order of major general Dearborn, for the delence of 
the curtains and bastions of the forts, and the para- 
pet of the batteries. All the forts and batteries under 
my command, will by the morrow or next day, have an 
ample supply of ordnance stores of every kind. 

If it could be effected, it is very desirable that the 
Boston and Charlestown sea fencibles, should be sta- 
tioned in tlje batteries, to be erected on the east and 
north side of Governor's Island, every other week alter- 
nately, with their cannon and equipments. Two mor- 
tars will be placed on Governor's Island, and furnaces 
are, and will be erected for heating shot, sufficient to 
supply all the guns with hotshot, which can be brought 
to bear on ships at the same moment, in all the works 
on the Islanci. 

I have directed, and have now making a new kind of 
wad for the curtain between Dearborn and Winthrop 
bastions, whir h are in rear of the water battery and 
Fort Independence, and for the hot shot which will ob- 
viate the difficulties you have mentioned* 

I have tliis day written commodore Bainbridge, in 
relation to the position of the United States ships, and 
expressed an opinion, that if the hulks are immediately 
sunk, and it shall be found the channel is sufficiently 
obstructed, to prevent the near approach of the ships of 
the enemy, it is advisible to have the independence and 
constitution moored above them^ to co-operate with the 
garrisons. 

I should like to have a consultation, with the commit- 
tee who have in charge, the sinking of the hulks as to 
the scite. 

The signals which have been established to announce 
the approach of the enemy, are three guns in the day 
time, from forts Independence and Warren, and in the 
night, three guns from eacli fort, and a tar barrel light- 
ed on the crown of the counterscarp, opposite the west 
curtain of fort Warren. To discover the approach of 
8 



70 

the enemy, a guanl boat is sent from this fort every 
night, near the mouth of the haibor, with rockets as 
signals. I recommend that the troops which are to re- 
inforce fort Independence and Warren, on the event of 
an alarm, be stationed on Dorchester point, in the old 
work which sould be repaired. Boats in sufficient 
number should be stationed there, for transporting the 
troops which should be sent to the two islands in the 
following proportions ; viz: two thirds to Governor's 
Island, and the remainder to fort Independance. There 
should be a large prop<»rtion of field artillery with case 
shot. 

You may be assured, that every thing in my power 
will be done to make a successful defence of the works 
which I have the honor to command. 

It gives me great pleasure to learn the determination 
of the executive, in relation to the absolute necessity of 
render ing these fortresses impregnable, and you may 
be assui'etl, I shall be happy to co-operate with the mili- 
tary board, in such ari'angements as may be thought 
advisable for the protection of the capital of Massachu- 
setts, and the preservation of the honor of our com- 
mon country. 

On the event of an alarm, major general Dearborn, 
will assume the command of the two forts, and take the 
immediate command of one, and the other will be assign- 
ed to me. 

I am respectfully, 

your obedient servant, 

HENllY A. S. DEARBORN, 

731. H, PerkinSf esq. 



No. S7. 

Mijor General Dearborn, to Col. Perkins. 

Head quarters, Boston, Sept. 21,1814. 
SIR, 

In answer of your note of yesterday, I must ob- 
serve, that not having yet received any answer from 



71 

Springfield, I cannot say with any certainty, how soon> 
or wliat number of arms will arrive from Springfield; 
but, I depend on an answer to my letter, by the next 
mail, and as soon as it arrives, I shall have the pleasure 
of giving you the earliest information. 

1 have this moment, received a return of the 18. 24» 
and S^Z pound balls in the arsenal, some part of them 
will be required at the forts. On hand of 18 pound- 
ers 7b3f of 2* pounds 452, of 32 pounds 545, of six i'nd 
12 pounds ther«^ is upwards of 6000. I think I may 
loan the state of 18 pounds 400, of 24 pounds 200. f 32 
pounds 200 and if required 1000 six and 1000 twelve 
pounds, or more if necessary. 

1 am Sir, your obedient 

Humble servant, 

H. DEARBORN. 

Cd, Ths, B, Perkins. 



No. 38 
Major Gen. Dearborn to Col. Perkins. 

Boston, Sep. 27, 1814. 

SIR, 

Your friendly note, of this day, has been re* 
ceived, and duly appreciated. The enclosed memoran- 
dum, contains the kind and quantity of articles, I have 
it now in my power to loan the state. 

I presume the muskets, will be in town this evening, 
or to-morrow, at farthest. The ordnance is principally 
at Lexington, my son made a requision, this morning 
for one of the eight inch howitzers for a particular pur- 
pose, which I have ordered for him. 

I am, Sir, your obedient 

Humble servant, 
H. DEARBORN. 
Col. Ths, H. Perkins, 



T2 

No. 39. 
Maj. Gen. Dearborn to CapU Tidlcut 

SIR, 

You will please to deliver, to general Davis, 
within mentioned, the articles within specified, — and 
take his receipt for the whole, to be returned when cal- 
led for. 

H. DEARBORN. 

Maj GentraU 
PapU Tallcut of the ordnance dept. 

Boston, Septemher 28, ±8i^» 

The 18 balls are at fort Independance, 

f Memorandum Enclosed. J 

200,000 musket balls, 

35 barrels musket powder in addition to 
30 loaned at Wiscasset, 
1 1 tons pig lead, 

5 8 inch howitzers with carriages &c, 
3 12 pounders light with carriages &c. 
and perhaps two others, 
800 18 pound balls, 
250 24 do. do. 

250 32 do. do. and 600 muskets, 
2 10 inch mortars without beds. 



No. 40. 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 
Council Chamber, September iOth, 1814. 

The committee appointed to enquire of the selectmen, 
and of the marine society of the town of Boston, their 
opinion respecting the expediency and utility of sinking 



hulks, or other obstruction in any part of Bostou laibour, 
for the purpose of impedliig' the anpioucj) f evietn y's 
vessels of war to the town ; and the fu^lity, aft^ r the 
danger has ceased, of removing such ^bst uctions? and 
of this rivsque of injury wMrh might arise lo the naviga- 
tion, and harbour of Boston there fr'>m ', and also, as to 
the most advantageous position, for tluir locution should 
it be deemed advisable to make them. 

Respectfully report. That they have attrntively con- 
sidered the subject committed to them, and hrive applied 
to the selectmen, and to tiie marine society, af tiie town 
of Boston from botli cf which resj)ecUible b ^lies they 
have received communications, which accompany the 
report, and from the tenor of that received from the ma- 
rine society, which they consider as partif ularly entitled 
to respect, and reliance, as well as from iuformati )n, de- 
rived from other and very respectable sources tiiey are 
induced to believe, that having hulks in reitdiu "ss, to 
sink when occasion may require it, \yill afford an im- 
portant security to tiie town and harbour of Boston, and 
the property in its vicinity, and they, therefore, advise 
that the commissioners, for the defence of the sea coast, 
be requested immediately to cause live strong hulks, to 
he purchased, prepared, and placed in a state of readi- 
ness, to be sunk in Boston harbour, when ever the emer- 
gency may call for it: and that the said commissioners 
advise with and avail of the services, and co-operation of 
Benjamin Weld esq. who has been desigtuited by the 
selectmen, and John Holland, Benjamin Ricii, Tristam 
Barnard, Seth Webber, Thomas Clements junr. i;nd 
Edw^ard Cruft esq, a committee ai)pointed by the marine , 
society, in the execution of the present order. And that 
the said commissioners, be also authoiizod, until other di- 
rections, to cause the said hulks, to be sunk at such time 
and in such positions, as they may deem most conducive 
to the public safety. All of which is respectfully sub- 
mitted. 

B. PICKMAN Jr. per order. 

In Council September 10, 1814, 

Read and accepted, 

BEN. WHITWELL, Dij, Sy. State. 



74 
No. 41. 
&en. Brooks to Capt. Mherton. 
Adjutant Generals Office, 

Boston, December 2th, 1813. 

sni, 

Your letter dated 20th instant was received on 
Tuesday last, and a copy of it forwarded to his excel- 
lency the commander in chief the next day, who must 
undoubted!!)' approve of the promptitude, with which 
you have obeyed his orders, and of your wishes to sup- 
po;'t tiie honor and the ri)*hts of Massachusetts. But 
yoii must be sensible of his great care, to avoid every 
cause of misundorstaniling and collision between the 
goveriimcnt of this state and that of the United fetates; 
and [ would take the libertv to observe, without how- 
ever havinj2^any instructions from the governor f »r so 
doing, til at besides the constitutional obligations of the 
general governuient to provide for the public defence, 
all tlie rights of war, excepting, th*^ right of immediate 
defenre in case of invasion, are vested exclusively in 
that government. It may be observed, likewise, that, 
if in time of war, a state has aright to raise troops, or 
to call out the militia into actual service, the legislature 
of ttiis state has passed no law, for that purpose. The 
nmst the legislature has done, respecting the employment 
of troops, extends, merely, to the calling out compe- 
tent guaitls, for the safety of the munitions of war, be- 
longing to the state. That a state may establish arse- 
nals, and be prepared at all points for defence, there 
can be no doubt ; nor can it be presumed, that the Uni- 
ted States can rightfully seize the military stores of a 
state, and convert them to their own use, without the 
consent of the state. 

It would be an act of violence, not to be justified upon 
any ground whatever. But I am not ready to admit, 
t!»at a state can establish a military post ef any kind, 
wliich the constitutional power of the national govern- 
ment will not pervade and controL The commander 



75 

in chief, i presume will not be here until the 8th of Jan- 
uary. Sh )ukl he direct any communication to you, his 
orders shall be promptly executed. 

I am very respectfully Sir, 

Your obedient servant 

J.BROOKS. 

Capt. Ji* PT. Mhertoiu 



No. 42. 

Extract from the records of the Boston Marine CommitteB 

of defence. 
The followini^ is a conimunication this day received 
from the commissioners for sea coast defence.— 

The commissioners for t!ie defence of the sia coast 
conceive that under certain circumstances; a large 
number of water craft, may be wanted for the purpose 
of transporting troops from this town, to the islands in 
this harbor, the board requests of you to cause to be 
prepared without loss of time, as many ships longboats 
as will transport with convenience one thousand troops 
with their baggage to the forts in the harbor. 

As econoniy is desirable in the expenditure of the 
public money, it is recommended tijat you borrow this 
craft from the ships now in the harbor to be returned 
when the emergency shall be over, for which they arc 

called. 

The commissioners wish one half the boats (with 
oars) to be placed between Rowe's whurf and Iiidia 
wharf, and tlie other half between Harris aj^d Russel's 
wharf. 

You will please to inform this board when the craft is 
in the situation designated. You will also procure as 
many men to receive the charge of the craft as may be 
necessary to prevent them from being taken away or 
receiving injury. They need not be kept afloat until 
further orders from this board. 

In behalf of the board 
(Signed) DAVID COBB. 

September 19th, 1814. 



78 

an opinion from the commander in chief, on this occa- 
sion will be very satisfactory to me. 

I am sir respectfully 

Your most obedient servant, 

WM. KING, Maj. Gen. 11th Bh\ 

To the Hon, John Brooks, Adj. Gen. 



D, RAPINE^ JPrinter. 



i 



